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Mike Driver
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
tannertan36
almost home
Not today Justin
bliss lane
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The Bowery Presents
Cosmic Funnies
Product Placement
noise dept.
ellievsbear
h
NASA
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
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Xuebing Du
★
roma★
seen from Bangladesh
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@kitsunesansworld
Masterlist
Stray Kids :
9 Lives But One Home - ot8 skz x cat hybrid fem !reader (Ongoing)
Chapter 1 - Suddenly
Chapter 2 - Desperation
Chapter 3 - Pleading
Chapter 4 - Comfort
Chapter 5 - Uncertainty
Chapter 6 - Something New
Chapter 7 - Staycation
Chapter 8 - Beautiful
Chapter 9 - Warm
Chapter 10 - Beach Day
Chapter 11 - Warm Sunshine and Ocean Blue
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Hi, Everyone! I want to apologize for the long wait. I hope you all still enjoy the story :) For the next couples of chapters are going to be about their vacation, so don't worry about the angst for now :]
and for @foreveralistener1 , thank you for asking if they all dating or what. Well I didn't think of it before, but yes (?) they are in a poly relationship. In this story straykids didn't want y/n as a pet, but want her as a their lover. Let's say it's more of a pack dynamic.
Word Count : 5,328
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
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CHAPTER 11 - Warm Sunshine and Ocean Blue
The afternoon sun hung comfortably above the coastline, warm enough to brighten the ocean into sparkling shades of turquoise but softened by a steady sea breeze that kept everyone comfortable. Waves rolled rhythmically onto the shore while distant laughter from children and families blended naturally with music drifting from nearby beach cafés.
After finishing the seashell painting session and carefully setting the finished shell art aside to dry, you and Hyunjin carefully cleaned the long wooden table together.
"Hold this side."
"I got it."
The two of you lifted the newspaper covered in tiny paint stains before folding it neatly. Hyunjin gathered the brushes while you sealed the paint tubes, making sure every cap was tightly closed.
"You really packed everything."
"I told you I came prepared."
"You packed enough supplies for an entire art class."
You laughed proudly.
"What if everyone suddenly wanted to paint?"
"...Fair point."
He bumped his shoulder lightly against yours.
"I'm glad you did."
You smiled before pulling a large picnic cloth from your beach bag.
"Oh!"
"Can you help me spread this?"
Hyunjin grabbed the opposite corner.
Together you snapped the cloth through the air.
It floated gently before settling perfectly across the long wooden table.
One by one, containers began appearing across the table.
Cold fried chicken.
Kimbap.
Fruit.
Sandwiches.
Rice balls.
Snacks.
Bottled drinks.
Fresh fruit juice.
You arranged everything neatly while Hyunjin lined up paper cups and napkins.
When everything was finally ready, he cupped both hands around his mouth.
"Everyone!"
"Lunch!"
Immediately heads turned.
Han was the loudest, as usual, he practically sprinted
“Why do I have sand in places I didn’t even know existed?”
“You threw yourself onto the ground four times,” Seungmin replied, not even looking up from the bag of snacks he was unpacking. “That is a consequence of your own choices.”
“I was saving the volleyball.”
“You missed the volleyball.” Changbin laughed so loudly while carried the cooler closer to the table. Jeongin tucked the volleyball beneath one arm. Minho casually folded his hammock before joining everyone. Chan smiled watching everyone naturally gather around the table.
The table filled quickly. Chairs scraped against the sand. Someone claimed the seat closest to the shade. Someone else complained that they were sitting too close to the sun. Felix happily passed drinks around.
You sat between Hyunjin and Minho, and for a while, everything slowed down.
The conversation was softer now.
The kind that came after laughter had tired everyone out a little.
The sea rolled behind you in steady waves. The wind carried salt through the air, cooling the warmth of the sun against your skin. White clouds drifted lazily through the sky, soft and slow, as if the entire afternoon had nowhere else to be.
Minho handed you a piece of fruit without saying anything.
You accepted it automatically.
“Thank you.”
“You need to eat too,” he said simply.
“I am eating.”
“You’ve been feeding everyone else.”
You smiled sheepishly.
Hyunjin leaned closer from your other side.
“She does that.”
“I do not.”
“You do.”
“You both are exaggerating.”
Chan looked up from across the table, his expression warm.
“You take care of us before you take care of yourself.”
“I just like doing things for you guys.” You replied smiling widely.
“We know,” Chan said gently. “But let us take care of you too.”
You nodded. “Okay.”
Time moved quickly after lunch.
One moment, the table was full of food and chatter. The next, it was already past noon, the sky bright and open above the water. More people had started arriving at the beach. Families laid out towels across the sand. Couples walked along the shore. Children ran past with buckets and plastic shovels. You heard different languages around you, laughter blending with music from the nearby bar and the distant sound of waves.
The beach felt alive.
The weather was perfect.
Not too hot.
Not too cold.
Just warm enough that the breeze felt like a gift every time it brushed across your skin.
After everyone finished eating, the members helped clean up. Changbin gathered empty containers while Felix folded the tablecloth. Seungmin wiped down the wooden surface with a wet cloth, complaining that everyone had somehow managed to spill something.
Jeongin stretched his arms above his head, looking toward the ocean.
“We should swim soon.”
Felix immediately brightened. “Yes! The weather is perfect for swimming now.”
"Finally!" Hyunjin shout excitedly. "I've been waiting!"
Everyone hurried toward the beach bags.
Everyone began reapplying sunscreen, passing bottles around, helping one another reach the backs of their shoulders. The smell of coconut and aloe filled the air. Felix squeezed too much onto Han's shoulder.
Han complained.
"You trying to marinate me?"
"You'll thank me later."
Changbin groaned.
"Someone do my back."
"You have hands."
"They don't reach."
You laughed while rubbing sunscreen across your own shoulders.
You finished applying sunscreen to your arms, then looked toward the small hut bar near the edge of the private beach.
“I’ll get ice cream while we wait for this to set.”
Eight heads turned toward you immediately.
“Ice cream?” Han repeated.
“Yes.”
“What flavors?”
"I already know."
Han pointed dramatically.
"I love you."
"I know."
Felix’s eyes widened.
“You remembered?”
“Of course I remembered.”
Your tail swished happily behind you as everyone began listing their choices at once. You laughed as you memorized the orders.
“I’ll be back.”
“Be careful,” Chan called automatically.
You waved. “I will.”
The members shouted their thanks as you slipped your oversized white shirt off, folding it neatly onto your chair before heading toward the small beachside hut
The hut bar was only a short walk away. You left your loose white shirt draped over the back of your chair and made your way across the sand, the black halter swimsuit and wrap skirt moving lightly with each step. The sun warmed your shoulders. The sound of the beach softened the farther you moved from the others.
The little beach bar bustled with customers. Colorful menus hung overhead. The scent of waffles, coffee, and vanilla drifted through the air. You waited patiently beside the counter while the staff finished another order. Leaning lightly against the wooden bar, you glanced out toward the ocean.
At first, you didn’t notice the attention.
You were too focused on remembering everyone’s orders.
One chocolate.
One strawberry.
One mint chocolate.
One cookies and cream.
One vanilla.
One coffee.
Maybe an extra one for whoever complained later.
You leaned against the counter while the staff served the people ahead of you.
Then you felt it.
That uncomfortable awareness.
Someone watching.
You glanced to your right.
Two men stood nearby, both hybrids.
One had black panther ears and a sleek tail that flicked slowly behind him. The other had tawny puma ears and a bright, easy smile. They looked around your age, maybe a little older.
The puma hybrid noticed you looking.
“Hi,” he said cheerfully. “Vacation?”
You gave him a polite smile.
“Yeah.”
“Us too,” he replied. “How’s it been? Hopefully a great vacation”
“It’s been nice.”
Your answer was short, but you kept your tone friendly.
He seemed harmless at first.
Too friendly, maybe.
But harmless.
“I’m Joon,” he said, offering a hand. “This is my cousin, Dojin.”
The black panther hybrid nodded politely with a small smile.
“Nice to meet you.”
You noticed the way their scents layered over one another.
Not just their own scents.
Other people’s scents too.
Strong perfume. Different pheromones. Traces of multiple women, human and hybrid alike.
Your nose twitched and your instincts tightened.
You didn’t take Joon’s hand.
Instead, you bowed politely.
“Nice to meet you too.”
Joon’s smile twitched for half a second, irritation small enough written on it.
“So, what are you getting?”
“Ice cream.”
“For yourself?”
“For my friends.”
“Oh,” Dojin said, moving a little closer. “We can join you.”
You blinked.
“No, thank you.”
The staff finally looked ready to take your order, so you stepped forward and ordered.
“Come on,” Joon interrupted lightly, still trying to make the conversation going. “We’re just being friendly.”
You kept your eyes on the staff.
“I’m here with people already.”
“Still,” Dojin said, now standing closer on your other side. “It’s a shame for a pretty hybrid to be alone.”
Your ears flattened.
“I’m not alone, I told you I’m with a group.”
Joon leaned in.
Too close.
His fingers reached toward a strand of your hair on your shoulder.
You recoiled immediately.
“Please don’t touch me.”
The smile on his face changed.
Not disappearing.
Just becoming less friendly. His tail brushed against the back of your knee.
You flinched.
Taking another step away.
The movement only encouraged him.
"You're really pretty. You know that?"
The staff handed over the bag of ice creams, and relief rushed through you.
You grabbed it quickly.
“I have to go.”
You tried to step around them.
Dojin lifted an arm, blocking your path.
Your body stiffened.
“Move.”
“Why are you in such a rush?” he asked. “We just want to talk.”
Joon’s hand caught your wrist.
Not painfully at first.
But firm.
Too firm.
“Let go.” Your voice lost every ounce of politeness and became more venomous with irritation. His grip tightened when you pulled back. He only tugged your wrist slightly closer. Trying to shorten the distance. A faint wave of his pheromones drifted toward you. Enough to make you grimace and hissed at him.
The plastic bag crinkled in your other hand.
Your tail puffed slightly behind you.
“Let go,” you repeated, sharper this time.
Then—
“You heard her.”
The voice cut through everything.
Calm.
Cold.
Low.
Controlled.
Cold enough that both men froze.
“Let her go.”
You turned your head.
Chan stood a few steps away.
Changbin and Hyunjin were behind him.
None of them were smiling. Chan took one measured step forward.
"Let."
"Her."
"Go."
Each word landed heavier than the last.
The air seemed to shift.
Chan’s eyes were dark, jaw clenched tightly, scowling at them both. Now you understand why some other fandom thought that Bang Chan is scary. Changbin’s shoulders were tense, his entire posture protective. Hyunjin looked calm at first glance, but the scent coming from him was sharp and sour with anger.
The two hybrids noticed it too.
Their confidence faded quickly.
“She’s not alone,” Hyunjin said quietly. “She’s with us.”
Joon let go of your wrist immediately.
Dojin stepped aside.
Both bowed quickly.
“Sorry.”
“We didn’t mean anything.”
Chan didn’t move.
His eyes stayed on them.
“You need to leave.”
They nodded again, more urgently this time. Then walked away.
Only when they disappeared into the crowd did your shoulders finally loosen.
Changbin came to you first.
His hands gently cupped your face, checking you over like he needed to make sure you were truly alright.
“Are you okay?”
You nodded.
Your voice came out quieter than you expected.
“Yeah.”
Chan looked at your wrist.
A faint red mark had started to appear.
His expression tightened.
Hyunjin took the ice cream bag from your hand so you didn’t have to hold it anymore.
“That was unpleasant,” you complained.
Chan’s hand rested lightly against your shoulder.
“You did the right thing.”
“I didn’t even know what to do.”
“You told them no,” he said. “That was enough.”
Changbin looked like he wanted to say more.
Like he wanted to chase after them.
But instead, he took a slow breath.
“We’re here now.”
You looked at the three of them.
Your chest felt warm and shaky at the same time.
“Thank you.”
Hyunjin brushed a loose strand of hair away from your face.
“Always.”
When you returned to the table, everyone noticed immediately.
Han’s smile faded the second he saw your expression.
“What happened?”
Felix stood up from his chair.
“Are you okay?”
You handed out the ice creams first because it felt easier than speaking.
Chocolate to Han.
Strawberry to Felix.
Mint chocolate to Seungmin.
Vanilla to Jeongin.
Then you finally explained.
“Two hybrids at the bar tried to talk to me.”
Everyone went quiet.
“They kept flirting and getting closer,” you continued. “I told them no, but they wouldn’t move. One of them grabbed my wrist. They didn’t really listen.” You rubbed your wrist unconsciously.
"I could smell several different female pheromones on both of them."
Your nose scrunched.
"It honestly made me uncomfortable."
Han’s face fell completely.
Felix looked upset in a quiet way, his brows drawing together.
Minho reached for your wrist carefully, turning it over just enough to see the red mark. His voice stayed calm. But his eyes did not.
“They touched you after you told them not to?”
You nodded.
Chan answered before you could.
“We handled it.”
Han suddenly stepped forward and wrapped both arms around you.
Tight.
Protective.
His chin rested against your shoulder. "Aww..."
"My poor kitten."
He hugged you dramatically.
"I'm okay."
"I know."
"But still."
He squeezed you once more before finally letting go.
Han suddenly stepped back.
Looking at you from head to toe.
He dramatically placed both hands against his own chest.
"...Well."
"No wonder."
You blinked.
"What?"
He pointed at you with complete seriousness.
"Look at you!"
"You look gorgeous today! It’s because you look too pretty today,” he complained softly, voice muffled against you. “Too pretty. Too cute. Too everything.”
You blinked.
“Jisung.”
“I’m serious.”
He pulled back just enough to look at you.
“You’re wearing this swimsuit and your hair looks like that and you’re smiling all day and—”
“Han,” Seungmin warned, amused despite the tension.
Han ignored him.
“I mean, look at her!”
He gently turned you toward the others, hands resting at your waist as if presenting evidence.
“This outfit is dangerous.”
“Jisung,” you groaned, cheeks burning.
“And this part—”
He motioned toward the side of your swimsuit, touching both your waist, where the fabric curved naturally along your waist and dig a little to the flesh. Swaying you a little, making you giggle.
“You look so good !”
“Okay,” you said quickly. “Okay. You do not need to shout.”
Everyone laughed softly.
Even Chan.
Even Minho.
The tension eased just enough for you to breathe again.
Han hugged you from behind this time, his voice quieter.
“Sorry.”
“For what?”
“For making jokes.”
You turned your head slightly.
He looked genuinely worried.
“I’m okay,” you told him. “Really.”
“I know, and it’s not your fault that they behave like that. It’s not because how you look but it’s their fault for having a bad intention.”
You nodded slowly. “I know.”
Felix slipped his hand into yours. "If someone looked at our Y/N...of course they'd think she's beautiful."
He smiled warmly. "But they should also know when 'no' means 'no.'" His fingers squeezed gently. “Stay close today?”
You smiled at him. “Okay.”
Chan reached over, gently patting the top of your head.
"You handled it well. You stayed calm. I'm proud of you."
The ocean stretched wide and endless before you.
The sun shone brightly overhead. The beach was still full of laughter, music, and strangers passing by. But your wrist still tingled faintly where Joon had grabbed you, and it didn’t stop you to continued enjoy the rest of the day.
The afternoon sunlight had softened into a warm golden hue, laying ribbons of shimmering light across the ocean. The tide rose and fell with a patient rhythm, washing over ankles and retreating with a hiss that sounded almost like quiet laughter.
The beach felt alive. And somewhere in the middle of all of it...
Lee Minho was very seriously trying not to drown in water that barely reached his chest. It's cute that a cat accompanied and apparently teaching Minho basic swimming skill right now.
“Come on! You can do it! You can do it!”, you cheered on him.
"I can't believe this." His deadpan expression alone made you burst into another fit of laughter.
"I'm serious!" you wheezed, one hand clutching your stomach while the other still held tightly onto his forearm. "You're kicking so aggressively!"
"I have to."
"You don't."
"I do."
"You don't!"
"I absolutely do."
The water splashed wildly every time he kicked.
His legs were moving with enough force to probably scare every fish within twenty meters.
"You look like an octopus fighting for its life."
"I'm a cat."
"No, I’m the cat here literally and you look like an octopus right now. Your pouting lips supported the looks hehe."
Minho sighed dramatically. "...You're being very unsupportive for a swimming instructor."
"I've been encouraging you for fifteen minutes!"
"You've been laughing nonstop."
"I can do both."
"You really can't."
Another laugh escaped you.
Your fluffy ears twitched happily while your tail floated lazily behind you in the seawater. "Come on," you smiled, moving behind him. "Relax your shoulders more."
"I am relaxed."
"You are literally as stiff as a wooden board."
"I'm trying not to die."
"You won't die, I promise you."
"Easy for you to say."
You placed both hands carefully beneath his forearms again.
"I don't trust this." Minho still denying to continued trying.
"I've got you." You encouraged him once again.
"..."
He looked at you for a long second.
Your smile stayed gentle.
Patient.
Exactly the same smile you always wore whenever one of them needed help.
Finally...
"...Okay."
Very carefully...
Minho leaned forward a little.
Immediately—
"I'M FALLING."
"You are NOT!"
"I'M SINKING."
"You are not sinking!"
He flailed dramatically.
Water splashed everywhere.
You laughed so hard your own knees nearly gave out.
"Kick slower!"
"I AM."
"Not like you're trying to escape prison!"
"I'm trying to survive!"
"You ARE surviving! Geez!"
A tiny smile betrayed Minho's composed face.
"...You're enjoying this way too much."
"I really am."
He rolled his eyes.
"...Brat."
"You love me."
"I tolerate you."
"Liar."
"..."
"...Maybe."
You grinned victoriously.
"There!"
"You floated for ten whole seconds!"
"...Really?"
"Mhm!" You nodded happily.
His eyes actually brightened. "...I did?"
"You did."
"..."
"...Again."
Something warm bloomed inside your chest.
It was such a tiny request. But hearing the usually prideful Minho quietly ask to try again...
It made your heart melt. He’s literally such a cute softie.
"Okay."
"We'll do it again."
"As many times you want."
Not too far away—
"YAH!"
"I.N!"
Bang Chan had found today's entertainment.
Specifically...
Jeongin.
Chan wrapped one arm around the younger's shoulders before slowly—very slowly—beginning to drag him toward deeper water.
"Hyung."
"No."
"Hyung."
"No."
"I'm warning you."
Chan's dimples appeared.
"You swim well."
"I know."
"So, you'll be fine."
"No."
"Come on."
"No."
"Trust me."
"I don't."
"You should."
"I absolutely shouldn't."
Chan laughed so loudly nearby families actually turned to look.
Jeongin dug his heels into the sand.
"STOP DRAGGING ME!"
"One more step."
"No."
"One."
"No."
"Two—"
"HYUNG!"
Chan finally reached water deep enough that little waves bumped against both of them. Jeongin immediately broke free from Chan and shoved him away.
"I SAID STOP!"
Chan stumbled backward dramatically.
"Oh no."
"I've been betrayed."
"You deserved it."
Before Chan could lunge again—
Splash!
A wall of seawater exploded across his face.
Chan blinked.
"..."
Slowly...
He turned.
Seungmin stood a few meters away with both hands already cupping another pile of water.
His smile was innocent.
Far too innocent.
"Don't come near."
Splash!
Another wave of water hit Chan square in the chest.
"Hey!"
Another splash.
Chan shielded himself with both forearms while laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
"STOP!"
"No."
"Seungmin!"
"No."
Hyunjin wandered over just in time to witness the chaos.
"..."
Without asking a single question...
He crouched.
Scooped up both hands full of seawater.
Then—
Splash.
Chan stared at him in betrayal.
"...Hyunjin?"
Hyunjin smiled angelically.
"I support justice."
Chan gasped dramatically.
"Et tu?"
"I don't even know what that means."
"But yes."
Another splash.
Chan staggered backward again.
"YAH!"
Then...
Like a ray of sunshine running directly into battle—
Felix appeared.
Except...
He wasn't carrying handfuls of water.
He was carrying—
"..."
"A bucket?"
Everyone stopped.
Even Chan.
"...Where did you get a bucket?"
Felix looked down.
"Oh."
"I found it."
"..."
"...You FOUND IT?"
"Mhm!"
Then—
Without another word—
Felix lifted it over his head.
And dumped the entire bucket onto Chan.
WHOOOSH!
A waterfall crashed over the leader.
His soaked curls completely flattened against his forehead.
His oversized beach shirt clung to him pitifully. Looking like a big wet puppy.
For one second...
There was absolute silence.
Then—
Everyone burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Han had already collapsed into the shallow water.
Hyunjin doubled over clutching his stomach.
Jeongin couldn't even stand anymore.
Seungmin was clapping between laughs.
Chan slowly pushed dripping hair out of his eyes. Defeated by his loving members. "...I'm surrounded by traitors."
Felix looked genuinely proud. "It was teamwork."
"It was more of bullying, mate."
Meanwhile—
You were laughing so hard tears gathered at the corners of your eyes. You had one arm wrapped around Minho to steady him while he floated with the help of a bright yellow swim ring. His expression remained perfectly calm. Unlike Chan's complete disaster, Minho looking like a calm cat. He looked toward the soaked leader. "...He deserves it."
You snorted.
"You didn't even hesitate."
"I saw the evidence."
"The evidence?"
"He started it."
"...Fair."
Minho looked back at you.
"...You laugh a lot today."
"...Do I?"
"Mhm."
"You've laughed all morning."
You blinked.
Had you?
Thinking back...
Collecting shells.
Painting with Hyunjin.
Volleyball.
The brunch.
Swimming lessons.
Watching Chan get bullied.
Your chest suddenly felt strangely warm full with contentment.
"...yeah, I guess... I've been really happy." The words escaped before you could stop them.
Minho looked at you quietly. There wasn't teasing in his eyes anymore. Just something soft. Something almost relieved.
"...Good."
"..."
"...You've smiled more today than you have in weeks."
The laughter around you suddenly sounded farther away.
"...Have I?"
"Mhm."
"..."
"...I missed seeing that smile."
His voice was so quiet it almost disappeared beneath the waves.
Your ears lowered slightly.
"..."
"...I'm sorry."
He frowned.
"What for?"
"I made everyone worry."
Minho immediately flicked your forehead.
"Ow."
"Don't apologize."
"But—"
"I said don't."
"..."
"...Just keep smiling. Okay?"
"...Okay."
He reached over.
Very naturally...
Very gently...
He tucked one damp strand of hair behind your ear.
"There."
You helped pulling Minho to the shallow water, “Okay, big cat, let’s take a break.” The two of you slowly walked back toward the shore once your feet touch sand. The warm sand squished beneath your feet. Water dripped from your clothes with every step. Your fluffy tail looked heavier now that it was soaked, swaying lazily behind you.
"Wow... You really are good at swimming, kitten."
Minho's voice carried genuine admiration.
You smiled shyly. "Thank you. I guess we should swim together more often."
Minho looked toward the ocean. Then back toward you.
A tiny smirk appeared. “No, thank you”.
You blinked. "Huh?"
"No. Thank You."
"What?"
"I barely survived today."
"That's not true." You burst into laughter again. "You floated for ten seconds just then!"
"I choose peace, thank you." He wrapped his hand on your shoulder pulling you closer.
"You don't even want another lesson?" You asked again with a teasing tone.
"...Only if you teach me somewhere without witnesses."
Your eyebrows lifted.
"So, pride does matter."
"A little."
"I knew it."
By the time both of you reached the beach towels—
Jeongin and Seungmin had already collapsed onto the sand beside them.
Jeongin dramatically spread himself like a starfish.
"Ahhhh..."
"So tiring..."
Seungmin leaned back on both elbows.
"My arms are dead."
"You barely did anything tho."
Nearby—
Chan finally trudged back toward the group.
Still dripping.
Still looking like the saddest wet puppy on Earth.
Felix waved enthusiastically.
"Hyung!"
"Want another bucket?"
Chan narrowed his eyes.
"..."
"...I'm revoking your dessert privileges."
Felix gasped.
"You wouldn't."
"I would."
Han immediately stood up.
"Hyung, that's crossing the line."
"It was just a bucket."
"It was emotional damage."
"It was funny."
"It wasn't."
"It absolutely was, hyung!"
The argument dissolved into overlapping laughter once more.
You sat down beside Minho, hugging your knees against your chest as the sea breeze dried your damp hair.
Your gaze wandered across every familiar face.
Chan, still dramatically complaining.
Felix apologizing while laughing.
Han nearly falling over from the tide pulling.
Hyunjin smiling quietly at everyone.
Changbin tossing a small towel onto Chan's head.
Minho pretending not to smile.
Seungmin making dry comments.
Jeongin whining about being hungry again.
And without realizing it— Your fluffy tail curled lazily against the warm sand, letting small giggle free from your own mouth.
Chan was still muttering dramatic complaints under his breath as he walked toward the group, rubbing the towel vigorously through his soaked curls.
Felix immediately held his hand out. "I said sorry!"
"After attacking me."
Chan sighed as though carrying the weight of the entire world before finally pulling his soaked shirt over his head. The wet fabric peeled away from his torso with a quiet sound before he tossed it over one shoulder.
"Much better..."
He began drying himself with the towel Changbin had thrown him earlier.
You weren't really paying attention.
At least...
Not intentionally.
Your eyes simply followed the movement.
The sunlight reflected across the droplets still clinging to his shoulders. His arms flexed naturally as he rubbed the towel through his hair, defined muscles shifting beneath sun-kissed skin. Like he was sculptured right out of the Gods and Goddesses hands
For a second...
Your brain simply stopped working.
Wait.
Since when...
...was Channie...
...that big?
Your eyes blinked once.
Twice.
The realization slowly settled in.
The Bang Chan who always let you cling to him.
Who carried groceries with one arm while holding your hand.
Who cuddled you to sleep.
Who constantly let you sit on his lap.
He'd always been strong.
But...
Had he always looked like...
that?
Your gaze wandered lower before your own thoughts caught up with you.
Immediately—
You snapped your eyes away.
Nope.
Don't look.
Respectfully.
You turned your head—
Only to accidentally land on Changbin.
...
That wasn't any better.
He was standing beside Chan, wringing seawater from his hair with both hands.
The movement made every muscle across his shoulders and arms shift naturally beneath his skin.
The sunlight only made everything more obvious.
You stared.
...
Since when did Bin...
...become built like a mountain?
Your ears twitched.
Heat slowly climbed into your cheeks.
"N-No..."
You quietly turned away again.
Only—
Hyunjin had just taken off the loose beach shirt he'd been wearing.
His broad shoulders stretched lazily as he folded it over one arm.
Felix stood beside him, abs showing proudly to the world, laughing about something Han had said. Han too without you knowing had become so buff too.
All of them...
Were somehow...
Ridiculously fit.
"..."
You blinked.
Slowly.
Your eyes wandered from one member...
To another...
To another one.
Years of endless dance practices.
Gym sessions.
Concerts.
Schedules.
Workout routines.
You had watched all of it.
Every day.
Every single year.
Yet somehow...
You had never really...
Looked.
Not like this. Growing up together all those year with them, seeing them every single day, you didn’t notice how gown of a men they are now.
You swallowed.
"..."
How...
...did I not notice this...?
Your gaze drifted downward again.
Then...
Almost against your own will...
It stopped beside you.
Minho.
He was still sitting comfortably on the sand beside you, drying his damp hands with a small towel.
Unlike Chan and the others, he still wore his swim shirt.
But...
The soaked fabric clung naturally against him.
Broad shoulders.
Defined arms.
Firm chest outlined beneath the material.
Even his forearms looked stronger than you remembered.
Your eyes slowly traced downward before—
Your brain finally screamed.
STOP STARING.
You whipped your head away so quickly one of your fluffy ears folded backward.
"..."
Oh my God.
You immediately looked toward the youngest members instead.
Surely—
Surely they'd save you.
...
No.
Not really.
Jeongin was adjusting the hem of his jersey while laughing with Seungmin. Even through the loose material...
His physique had matured noticeably.
Not as bulky as Chan or Changbin.
But athletic.
Strong.
Seungmin stood beside him, equally relaxed. His frame remained slimmer than most of the others, but his shoulders had broadened over the years, and the damp jersey outlined toned muscles earned from years of performing.
Your heart skipped.
When...
...did everyone grow up...?
You stared blankly.
Somewhere in the distance...
A wave crashed softly against the shore. The breeze lifted strands of everyone's damp hair. Your thoughts completely short-circuited.
Meanwhile...
The members had already begun walking back toward you.
Chan in front.
Changbin beside him.
Hyunjin lazily stretching.
Felix talking excitedly.
Han carrying two towels over one shoulder.
You simply...
Watched them.
Like you were seeing them from a completely different perspective for the first time. Until they were only a few steps away. Without thinking—
The question escaped your mouth.
"...When did you guys get so big?"
Silence.
Chan froze mid-step.
"...What?" His eyebrows lifted.
Changbin stopped beside him.
Han looked between both of you.
"...Huh?"
You blinked, still looking completely dazed.
Your gaze slowly stayed on Chan... Looked at him from below, your cheeks grew pink. How can someone be so hot ?
"When..."
"...did you guys get so big?"
Your voice sounded genuinely confused.
Almost fascinated.
"..."
"...And..."
You tilted your head innocently.
"...hot?"
Han's mouth slowly fell open.
Felix blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Hyunjin looked like someone had unplugged his brain.
Changbin's ears immediately turned bright red.
Seungmin coughed into his fist.
Jeongin's eyes grew comically wide.
Minho quietly looked away toward the ocean, one corner of his lips already lifting.
Chan...
Actually choked.
"W-what?"
He stared at you.
"...What did you just say?"
You frowned slightly.
"Hm?"
"I asked when you guys became so..."
You gestured vaguely toward all eight of them.
"...big."
"...And hot."
Another beat of silence.
Then—
Han dramatically grabbed his own chest.
"Oh my God."
"Did everybody hear that?"
"I think I just ascended."
Felix covered his entire face with both hands.
"She called us hot..."
His voice came out muffled.
"...She called us hot."
Hyunjin slowly looked toward Changbin.
"..."
"...Did she just compliment all of us?"
Changbin scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I..."
"...I don't know what to do."
Jeongin immediately puffed his chest out.
"I've been going to the gym."
Han pointed accusingly.
"Don't ruin the moment!"
"I worked hard too!"
"You all did," you answered honestly.
Your eyes wandered over them again.
"I just..."
"I suddenly realized."
"You all looked so different."
"You've always been handsome."
"...But now..."
You scratched your cheek shyly.
"You guys really look like grown men."
"..."
"...Really attractive grown men."
Felix let out the tiniest squeak.
Changbin hid his face behind the towel.
Hyunjin laughed quietly, cheeks turning pink.
Even Seungmin rubbed the back of his neck to hide the smile creeping across his face.
Chan simply stood there.
Looking at you.
Then at the others.
Then back at you again.
A slow smirk spread across his face.
"...Well."
He folded his arms proudly.
"I guess all those gym memberships finally paid off."
That broke the silence.
Everyone burst into laughter.
"Hyung!"
Han groaned.
"You're supposed to act humble!"
"I was humble for years."
"My time has come."
Felix laughed so hard he leaned against Hyunjin.
Hyunjin shook his head, smiling.
"One compliment..."
"...and our leader becomes unbearable."
Chan only laughed, dimples showing deeply.
He reached over and affectionately ruffled your hair between your fluffy ears.
"I'm glad you finally noticed." His smirk turned into a proud grin.
Your face immediately heated more. "...I think I noticed a little too much." The boys laughed even harder. The easy teasing blended into the sound of the surf, and for a while, the beach was filled with nothing but warm laughter, playful embarrassment, and the comfortable closeness.
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 3,293
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
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CHAPTER 10 - Beach Day
Morning sunlight spilled through the wide windows of the staycation house, painting golden streaks across the wooden floor. The sound of waves crashing gently against the shore mixed with sleepy laughter, footsteps echoing through the hallway, cabinet doors opening and closing, and someone complaining that another person had stolen their towel. The entire house buzzed with an excitement that seemed contagious.
Today was beach day.
Not sightseeing.
Not shopping.
Not schedules.
Just a whole day of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying each other's company.
"...Who's making coffee?"
"I am!"
"...Who burned the toast?"
"Not me!"
"Han.."
"...Okay, maybe me."
Laughter erupted from the kitchen.
You couldn't help giggling as you tied your apron behind your back before returning to cutting fresh fruit. Bowls of strawberries, grapes, melon, and sliced oranges were neatly arranged on the counter while Chan carefully packed sandwiches into containers.
Minho stood beside you seasoning fried chicken that had cooled overnight.
"It'll taste better cold," he explained when you tilted your head curiously.
"I trust you."
"You should."
He smirked.
"I've never let you down with food."
You nodded very seriously.
"That's true."
Hyunjin was in charge of drinks.
Well...
He volunteered.
Although "in charge" was generous considering he had already been distracted twice taking too so much time arranging the fruit inside the cooler.
Chan looked over his shoulder.
"...Hyunjin."
"Hm?"
"We're going to eat them."
"I know."
"You don't have to make them look like an art exhibition."
"...But they deserve to."
You burst into laughter.
Minho pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Leave him."
Chan sighed dramatically.
"I've accepted my fate."
The kitchen felt alive and comfortable. The kind of chaos only people who truly knew one another could create. Every now and then someone wandered in asking if they could steal a piece of fruit.
Or a snack.
Or simply bother whoever happened to be cooking.
Felix wandered in three separate times.
Each time he claimed he was "checking on the progress."
Each time he somehow left eating something.
"You know..."
Chan crossed his arms.
"You've stolen more food than you've packed."
Felix looked offended.
"I was quality testing."
"You ate five strawberries."
"They passed."
Everyone laughed.
Meanwhile, the living room looked like a sporting goods store had exploded.
"Who packed the volleyball?"
"I did."
"Where are the towels?"
"By the entrance."
"Who's bringing sunscreen?"
"..."
Silence.
Everyone froze. Then eight heads slowly turned toward you. You blinked.
"...I packed it yesterday."
The collective sigh of relief made you laugh.
Jeongin dramatically clutched his chest.
"See?"
"I told you."
"What would we do without Y/N-ah?"
Han nodded seriously.
"We'd probably die."
"You guys are dramatic."
"We're honest."
Soon enough, everything was packed neatly into large beach bags.
Portable speakers.
Beach towels.
Umbrellas.
Paint supplies.
Shell containers.
A volleyball.
Cards.
Books.
Picnic blankets.
Snacks.
Cold drinks.
It looked less like a beach trip and more like everyone planned to move there permanently.
One by one everyone disappeared upstairs to change. You carried your own beach bag into your room before closing the door softly.
Standing in front of the mirror again...
Your eyes drifted toward the black halter swimsuit folded neatly on the bed. The one everyone had chosen. You picked it up carefully.
"...Okay."
You whispered to encourage yourself.
"It would look good obviously."
Slowly you changed into it. The fabric hugged your figure comfortably without feeling restrictive.
You turned once.
Then twice.
Tilting your head.
It...
Actually looked nice. Really nice.
The black contrasted beautifully against your skin. Your fluffy ears looked even softer somehow.
You smiled. A proud but a little shy one.
Before putting an oversized white linen shirt, unbuttoning it, as an outer. Loose enough to flutter in the breeze. Then wrapped a short black beach skirt around your waist to pair it. You looked at yourself one final time. "wow.. dang.. I look good."
When you stepped downstairs...
Felix happened to be walking past you. He stopped immediately. His mouth opened slightly. Then closed. Heat rising up to his cheeks. "...Whoa."
You looked down instinctively. "What?"
"You..." He smiled so softly your heart melted. "...You look beautiful." Now heat climbed into your cheeks.
"Really?"
"So beautiful."
He nodded without hesitation.
“Thank you, Lixie.” You twirled around showing off to him with a giggle. Then his eyes wandered toward your hair. "Wait." He suddenly snapped his fingers.
"Sit."
You blinked.
"Huh?"
"Come here."
Still confused, you followed him into the living room.
Felix sat comfortably on the sofa before patting the carpet between his legs.
"Sit."
Obediently, you lowered yourself onto the floor.
Cross-legged.
Your back resting lightly against the sofa between his legs. He reached for the brush lying nearby.
"I'll do your hair."
You smiled.
"Yes, please!"
Gentle fingers combed through your hair. The brush glided smoothly while the sea breeze drifting through the open windows danced around both of you. Neither of you spoke for a while.
The quiet felt nice.
Felix carefully gathered the top half of your hair.
Separating strands delicately around your fluffy ears.
"So pretty..."
He murmured almost to himself.
"Hm?"
"Nothing."
He smiled.
"I just like doing this."
You relaxed further.
Eyes slowly drifting closed.
His fingers were incredibly gentle.
Almost therapeutic.
"There."
He tied the half ponytail neatly before smoothing down a few loose strands framing your face.
"Done."
You reached for your phone to check the camera.
"...Lix."
"Hm?"
"It looks really nice!"
"I know."
He grinned proudly. His hands gently cupped your cheeks from behind. Tilting your head a little. Warm palms resting against your face. You looked upward, meeting his eyes. They looked impossibly soft. Filled with so much fondness that it almost embarrassed you. Felix smiled so bright that morning like the sunshine himself.
"So beautiful..."
You felt your ears twitch.
He leaned forward.
Placing the lightest kiss between your fluffy ears.
"So, so beautiful."
Another gentle kiss rested against your temple.
Then your forehead.
"I love seeing you smile."
His voice had dropped into that quiet tone only those sitting close enough could hear. "It makes everything brighter."
Your cheeks became impossibly warm.
"Lix..."
He chuckled softly. "I mean it."
His forehead rested briefly against the top of your head. "My sunshine."
Another kiss to your forehead.
"So pretty."
Another to your nose. Tilting your head a little more
"So precious."
Another to both of your cheeks. You couldn’t help but squealing happily.
"I'm glad you're here with us." He kissed your lips now. Lingering longer, lips moving so softly. You kissed him back with equal tenderness. Your tail wrapped around one of his ankles unconsciously. He pulled back first searching for your eyes.
"...Thank you." Your voice barely rose above a whisper.
Felix simply smiled. "I should be thanking you."
Only a handful of families wandered near the shoreline. Several children chased one another while laughing.
The private beach was almost empty.
Otherwise...
Peace.
Morning waves rolled lazily toward the shore.
The sea glittered beneath the bright sky.
A cool breeze carried the scent of salt and summer.
The moment everyone stepped onto the sand—
Chaos erupted.
"I'm first!"
Han sprinted toward the water.
Jeongin chased immediately after him.
Felix wasn't far behind.
The moment the cold waves splashed their feet—
All three screamed dramatically.
"IT'S COLD!"
"I TOLD YOU!"
"WHY IS IT SO COLD?!"
You laughed so hard your stomach hurt.
"They're unbelievable..."
Chan shook his head beside you.
"You'd think they've never seen the ocean before."
You lifted your phone.
Immediately recording them.
Han slipped.
Recovered.
Then intentionally splashed Jeongin.
Felix retaliated.
Soon everyone near the shoreline had started a miniature water fight. Your laughter echoed across the beach.
You snapped photos. Recorded videos.
Captured every ridiculous moment.
Because these were the memories worth keeping.
Eventually everyone calmed down enough to begin their morning walk. The nine of you strolled side by side along the shoreline. Bare feet sinking into wet sand. Waves occasionally brushing your ankles. Conversation drifted naturally.
"What animal would you want to be?"
"A tiger."
"A puppy."
"A capybara."
"You already act like one."
"Excuse me?"
Hyunjin suddenly pointed toward you.
"What about Y/N?"
Everyone looked.
You thought for a moment. "...Still a cat."
Han laughed.
"Even if you weren't already one?"
"I think so."
"That's fair."
Another topic emerged.
Favorite foods.
Favorite seasons.
Dream travel destinations.
Someone mentioned comeback ideas.
Hyunjin stretched dramatically.
"I want something really artistic."
Changbin nodded.
"Powerful."
Han immediately added,
"Or something completely insane."
Jeongin looked toward Chan.
"Hyung."
"What?"
"We should put Y/N in the next music video!"
You blinked.
"What?"
Everyone looked toward you.
"Ooh I wouldn't mind."
The words slipped out before you could overthink them.
Actually… "I think it'd be fun."
Changbin immediately clapped loudly. "You heard her!"
He pointed dramatically toward Chan.
"She said yes!"
"Take the opportunity, hyung!" Felix laughed.
"Stays would absolutely lose their minds."
"They already adore her."
Hyunjin nodded enthusiastically.
"They'd love seeing her more."
You scratched your cheeks shyly. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely."
Chan simply watched everyone. His smile growing wider with every passing second. A thoughtful look settled behind his eyes. Almost like...
He was already imagining it.
Chan layed stretched on the long beach chair comfortably beneath the umbrella taking a nap apparently, with Seungmin watching the other four playing sitting cross leg on the other chair.
After returning to the picnic area, everyone naturally scattered into smaller groups. Changbin and Jeongin started a volleyball match with Han and Felix. Minho claimed one of the hammocks. Book already in hand.
Watching everyone with quiet contentment. You looked around.
Then remembered something.
"Hyunjin!"
He turned immediately.
"Hm?"
"Our shells!"
His entire face brightened.
"The shells!"
He nearly jogged over.
"I almost forgot!"
You laughed.
"I didn't."
He held his hand out instinctively.
Without thinking—
You slipped your hand into his. Warm fingers intertwined naturally. Neither of you commented on it. Together, the two of you wandered farther down the shoreline.
Heads lowered. Searching patiently. Looking for the prettiest shells the ocean had decided to gift you that morning.
Behind you—
The laughter of the other members blended effortlessly with the sound of waves.
Ahead of you—
The endless shoreline stretched beneath the brilliant summer sky. For a little while... The whole world felt peaceful.
The shoreline had grown warmer beneath the late-morning sun.
The tide rolled in and out lazily, leaving behind glistening patches of wet sand littered with tiny treasures the sea had decided to return. Every wave seemed to reveal another shell, another smooth stone, another piece of driftwood polished by years of saltwater.
Unlike you, Hyunjin barely looked down anymore.
You and Hyunjin wandered slowly, fingers loosely intertwined.
At first, he'd genuinely searched alongside you, bending down whenever something caught your eye. But after a while...
He found himself searching for something else.
Or rather...
Someone.
Every few seconds his gaze drifted back to you.
The way your loose unbuttoned white shirt danced in the breeze. Showing your body fitted so perfectly in your two-piece bathing suit. The sway of your fluffy cream-colored tail brushing lightly against your calves. How your ears twitched whenever you heard the waves crash louder than before.
How your eyes sparkled with childlike curiosity every time you spotted something half-buried beneath the sand.
He smiled to himself.
How can someone find this much happiness in something so small...?
Then—
"Oh!"
Your delighted gasp pulled him out of his thoughts.
"There!"
Your hand slipped from his as you hurried forward.
You crouched down immediately, carefully brushing damp sand away with your fingertips.
"Aha!"
Your face lit up.
"So pretty..."
Hyunjin stopped beside you.
Looking down.
You lifted your hand triumphantly.
"Look!"
Nestled in your palm was a perfectly preserved scallop shell.
Its ridges fanned out beautifully, pale cream fading into soft peach around the edges.
"This one's perfect!" you beamed. "Look at the shape! It isn't chipped at all!"
You turned your head toward him, your smile impossibly bright.
Hyunjin...
Never looked at the shell. His eyes stayed on your face.
The sunlight caught the strands of your hair. Your cheeks had turned slightly pink from the warmth. Tiny grains of sand clung to your knees where you'd knelt.
Your smile...
It reminded him so much of the feeling standing on stage.
Of looking out across thousands of glowing light sticks.
The same overwhelming warmth.
The same feeling that made his chest ache in the gentlest way.
He couldn't help smiling back. Looking at you with that longing eyes. Oh, what a yearner type of lover Hyunjin is. Have you guys ever looked at how this man always has that kind of looks at his eyes when he looked at something he love the most. STAYS... The members… Y/n…
"...It's beautiful."
You grinned even wider.
"I know!"
Completely misunderstanding what he meant. Hyunjin let out a quiet laugh under his breath.
Yeah...
It really is.
He crouched beside you this time, finally looking at the shell.
"It'll look nice painted."
"I think so too!"
You carefully tucked it into the small woven basket hanging from your arm.
Then immediately stood again.
"Let's find more!"
"You really aren't getting tired?"
"No!"
Your ears perked happily.
"We need different shapes!"
Hyunjin laughed.
"Then let's keep searching."
The next half hour passed peacefully.
Every few steps one of you discovered something new.
A spiral shell.
Tiny white clam shells.
Pieces of smooth sea glass washed ashore.
One shell shaped almost like a tiny heart.
You squealed every single time.
Without fail.
Each discovery earned the exact same excitement.
Hyunjin eventually stopped counting.
Instead...
He started collecting the ones he thought you would like.
Whenever he spotted something pretty before you did, he'd quietly pick it up.
Then walk over.
Holding it out proudly.
"What about this one?"
Your eyes always widened.
"Oh!"
"You found another one!"
He nodded proudly.
"Pretty?"
"So pretty!"
Without realizing it, you praised him every single time.
"Good job, Hyunnie! You're getting really good! This one's my favorite!"
He chuckled.
"...Really?"
"Mhm!"
Your approval somehow made him absurdly happy.
By the time both of you returned to the wooden picnic table...
The little basket was nearly overflowing.
You carefully poured everything onto the tabletop.
Shells clinked softly against one another.
Large.
Small.
Round.
Flat.
Spiral.
Scalloped.
Even tiny pieces of coral.
"We got so many!"
You clapped happily.
Hyunjin sat beside you. Much closer than necessary. His body angled toward yours naturally. One elbow rested on the tabletop while the other hand absentmindedly settled against the small of your back. "We really did."
He smiled.
"I didn't think we'd find this many."
You were already sorting them into little groups.
"This pile is for painting."
"This one's for decorating."
"And these little ones..."
You picked up three tiny shells.
"...Can go on the mini canvases!"
Hyunjin tilted his head.
"Mini canvases?"
Your eyes sparkled again.
"Oh!"
"I packed them!"
"You packed canvases?"
"Mhm!"
You nodded enthusiastically.
"I saw videos online."
"People paint tiny beaches on little canvases."
"And then glue shells around the edges!"
"And sometimes dried flowers!"
"I thought it'd be really fun if we made one together."
You rummaged through the beach bag before pulling out several postcard-sized canvases.
Acrylic paints.
Tiny brushes.
A palette.
Even little bottles of glue.
Hyunjin blinked.
Then laughed.
"...Love."
"Hm?"
"You really planned this huh ?"
You smiled sheepishly. "I just..."
Your fingers brushed over one of the blank canvases.
"...Thought it'd be nice."
"We're always busy."
"And I wanted us to make something."
"Something we could keep."
His expression softened almost instantly.
Without thinking—
You leaned lightly against his shoulder.
"I wanted us to have memories that aren't just pictures."
He slowly wrapped an arm around your shoulders.
Pulling you just a little closer.
His thumb rubbed absentminded circles over your upper arm.
"...You're incredible."
"Hm?"
"The amount of thought you put into everyone."
You looked up.
Confused.
"I just wanted everyone to have fun."
"I know."
He smiled gently.
"That's exactly what I mean."
He leaned down.
Pressing a lingering kiss against your temple.
"So thoughtful."
"So kind."
"So... you."
Heat rushed into your cheeks immediately. “Thank you!” you learned to received compliments more with genuine heart.
"You compliment too much."
"Not enough."
He answered without missing a beat.
You laughed, hiding your face against his shoulder.
He chuckled too.
"...I really would love to paint with you."
"I knew you would!" You start preparing the art supplies infront of you both.
A loud cheer suddenly echoed across the beach.
Both of you looked up.
The volleyball game had somehow become even noisier.
Changbin jumped high enough to spike the ball dramatically.
Han dove onto the sand trying to save it.
Only to completely miss.
Felix collapsed laughing before he'd even managed to stand again.
Jeongin pointed dramatically.
"Han-hyung!"
"You're terrible!"
"I slipped!"
"You weren't even moving!"
"I mentally slipped!"
The four burst into another fit of laughter.
Then—
Two tiny boys wandered shyly toward them.
They couldn't have been older than seven or eight.
One held a tiny plastic shovel.
The other hugged a beach ball almost as big as himself.
They stood several feet away.
Watching.
Waiting.
Curious.
Felix noticed them first.
He crouched immediately.
"Hi!"
The younger boy smiled nervously.
"...Can..."
He glanced toward his brother.
"...Can we play too?"
Han gasped dramatically.
"OF COURSE!"
Changbin immediately tossed the volleyball toward them.
"Come here!"
The older child caught it awkwardly before grinning.
Within seconds...
The game transformed completely.
Changbin purposely exaggerated every movement.
Pretending to lose dramatically whenever the boys hit the ball.
Han fell onto the sand after every point like he'd suffered a devastating defeat.
Felix celebrated every successful hit as though they'd just won an international championship.
Jeongin became the self-appointed referee.
"No!"
"That point counts!"
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
Everyone laughed.
Even the little boys.
Their laughter carried across the shoreline.
Bright.
Carefree.
Infectious.
A few minutes later, two adults hurried over.
Judging by the resemblance...
Their parents.
"We're so sorry!"
The mother bowed politely.
"They kept saying they wanted to play with you..."
"We hope they weren't bothering—"
"Not at all."
Felix smiled immediately.
"They're adorable."
Changbin nodded.
"We're having fun too."
Han crouched beside one of the boys.
"He beat me three times."
"I absolutely didn't."
"You did."
The child giggled proudly.
"I won!"
"You destroyed me."
Han sighed dramatically.
"I'm retiring."
The parents laughed in relief.
"Thank you."
"It really made their morning."
As they walked away, the younger boy turned back.
Waving enthusiastically.
"Bye!"
All four members waved back just as enthusiastically.
"Bye!"
"See you!"
"Practice your spikes!"
The little boy saluted seriously before running after his family.
You watched the entire interaction quietly.
Your heart swelling with warmth.
"...They're really good with children."
Hyunjin followed your gaze.
A soft smile tugged at his lips.
"They've always been like that."
Your eyes lingered on the four of them still laughing together in the sand.
"They're going to make really wonderful fathers someday lol."
The words slipped out as a joke and compliment so naturally that you barely thought about them.
Hyunjin looked at you.
Then toward the members again.
His smile softened. Hyunjin pulled you up to his lap with ease, hugging you close on the waist "...Yeah."
"They will." Kissing your covered shoulder lovingly, enjoying his moments with you close to him.
For just a moment...
Everything felt beautifully ordinary.
The sea breeze.
The laughter.
The warmth of the sun.
The people you loved gathered beneath an endless blue sky. It felt like one of those memories that would stay with you forever—
The kind you never realize is precious until much later, when all you want is to return to it.
hey so I’m genuinely curious how many chapters is 9 Lives But One Home going to be. Again I’m just genuinely curious on how many there are going to be, btw I love this series and ur work and Jina is pmo so muchhhhh which is sooo good.
(holy shart I ramble 😣)
Hello everyone, I’m gonna answer all the questions in my inbox in this post. Many of you asked almost the same thing.
So if I’m being honest 👀 9 Lives But One Home is still in the writing process, and I think there going to be like around 15-20 Chapters (?). And unfortunately I don’t have a writing schedule :D So I always steals 1-2 hours of my night sleep time and lunch/dinner break to write and improve the story, and usually if a chapter is done proof read I would update it
I don’t have a writing or update schedule because of my work.
And for the taglist, it’s closed guys, because when I try to add it, tumblr told me that I hit the limited tags (?)
And a little (fun)fact so it won’t be confusing :
- Y/n’s feature is human like but has a pair of fluffy cat ears and tail. Yes she still has her human ear too.
- actually I write her based a little on me lol (sorry :] )
- I want to make her have a character development in this story. And I write it based on my personal journey too in real life (but only as a writing idea not for telling my own story)
- I write this story because I can’t find any plot like this in any platforms, I have never write and actually didn’t plan to post on tumblr because I’m nowhere near a write myself, but that random night I thought maybe I could just share this story because maybe someone out there is searching for the same plot. So yeah… if I write it, it’s because I really like that kind of plot lol
- sometimes I add plot/scenario ideas from the comments that I thought would be a great addition to the story. Yes your comments does mean a lot to me 🫶
I’m sorry if I didn’t answer your inbox personally, but I hope this answer it for you guys 🫶💕
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 5,141 Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed) < Previous Next > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER 9 - Warm
You guys ended up on a food bazaar happening near that beach. The summer bazaar near the beach felt alive in a way that made your heart pounding in excitement pleasantly. Summer truly felt alive here. Like the entire coastline had gathered together to celebrate something beautiful.
Music echoed faintly from somewhere deeper within the festival grounds, mixing together with laughter, conversations, sizzling grills, and crashing waves nearby. Colorful string lights hung overhead between stalls, glowing warmly against the darkening sky while signs blinked brightly advertising food, games, and summer events.
The smell alone made your senses dizzy— grilled seafood, sweet pastries, sugar, spices, smoky skewers, fresh fruits, perfume lingering from people brushing past, even traces of different hybrids’ scents blending into the crowd.
It smelled…
Happy.
That was the only way to describe it.
Happy.
Your ears twitched constantly trying to process everything at once while your eyes widened more and more with every step. Your eyes sparkled immediately while looking around at everything.
“Woah…”
Your voice came out breathless.
“There’s so many people here.”
Families wandered laughing together, children ran around carrying glowing toys, couples shared drinks beneath hanging lights, and groups of friends crowded around food stalls loudly debating what to buy.
Summer buzzed beautifully around all of you.
It genuinely felt like the season itself had come alive.
Chan looked around carefully, leader instincts immediately activating seeing the growing crowd.
“Okay listen,” Chan spoke firmly enough to gather everyone’s attention. “Nobody wanders off alone.”
Everyone looked toward him.
“Buddy system.”
Groans immediately erupted.
“Seriously?”
“Yes seriously,” Chan answered firmly. “No wandering off alone, and that’s final.”
“You sound like a kindergarten teacher,” Hyunjin muttered.
Chan ignored him completely.
“At least in pairs. Got it?”
Eventually smaller groups naturally formed while everyone wandered through the bazaar together. You stayed close beside the members while strolling deeper into the bazaar, your attention darting everywhere at once.
Street food vendors shouted excitedly trying to attract customers while steam rose beautifully into the evening air. Everywhere you looked felt exciting. And almost instantly A warm hand slipped into yours. You looked sideways. Felix grinned brightly at you before intertwining your fingers together naturally
Warm.
Comfortable.
Natural.
“Come on, Sunny!”
You blinked at him. Your heart melted instantly.
Because Felix calling you “Sunny” always sounded impossibly affectionate coming from him. Even though he himself was the brightest sunshine in your life.
“Sunny? You’re literally the sunshine here.”
Felix grinned brightly.
“But you are my sunshine, Y/n-ah !.”
Before you could argue further, he immediately tugged you forward through the crowd excitedly.
You squealed loudly while nearly stumbling after him.
“Lix— wait!”
Your laughter rang through the busy walkway while your tail bounced happily behind you. Even the members behind you both could hear your excitement spilling out uncontrollably.
And honestly—
Behind you, the other members watched with fond amusement.
“She’s literally skipping,” Minho observed. And you were.
It had been a long time since they’d seen you this carefree. You practically skipped between stalls while pointing at different foods and decorations excitedly. Your tail swished wildly behind you while you practically hopped beside Felix, excitement overflowing so obviously you couldn’t hide it even if you tried.
Felix only laughed harder hearing your happy squeals. He watched you more than the bazaar itself.
Completely soft.
Because moments like this when you forgot to overthink.
Forgot to shrink yourself.
Forgot to worry—
Were precious.
“You’re cute.”
“You’re dragging me!”
“You love it.”
…You did.
Because Felix always knew how to make the world feel lighter.
Safer.
Fun.
After wandering around for a while scouting almost every stall possible, Felix finally asked, “So?” He squeezed your hand lightly.
“What do you wanna eat?” You looked around immediately.
“The sweet stalls look really good…”
Felix narrowed his eyes playfully.
“Absolutely not. Real food first.”
You pouted dramatically, making Felix pinched your cheek lightly.
Then your ears perked suddenly.
“Oh!”
You pointed excitedly toward a nearby stall.
“That gukbap place smells amazing.”
“You smelled it?”
You nodded proudly.
The rich savory aroma drifted strongly through the air even from several stalls away.
“And mandu too! It smelled rich,” you explained excitedly. “Like beef broth and garlic and green onion and—”
Felix laughed softly.
“Okay then. Lead the way then”
Still holding your hand tightly, he followed wherever you led him.
The two of you somehow completely lost control afterward.
Eventually you stopped excitedly near a cozy food stall where steaming broth filled the air deliciously.
“There!”
Felix looked up toward the sign.
Sure enough—
Gukbap.
And fresh mandu being folded nearby.
The warm savory smell immediately wrapped around both of you.
“Oh wow…”
“See?!” you chirped proudly.
Felix laughed softly.
“You win.”
The older woman running the stall greeted both of you warmly while leading you toward a small outdoor table nearby.
The lights overhead glowed softly above the two of you while distant festival sounds buzzed around the night air.
Felix pulled your chair out for you automatically before sitting across from you.
“You’re very gentleman today,” you teased.
“I’m always gentleman.”
You burst into laughter immediately. And Felix found himself staring again. Because your laugh tonight sounded so free. So genuine. It made something emotional settle warmly inside him.
The food arrived quickly afterward.
Steaming hot gukbap filled with rich broth and tender meat.
Fresh mandu with crispy bottoms and juicy filling.
The smell alone nearly made you melt.
“Oh my god…”
Felix laughed watching your expression.
“You’re reacting like you found heaven.”
“Maybe I did.”
Your ears twitched happily while your tail swayed beneath the table.
Felix physically softened seeing it.
And honestly—
Watching you enjoy simple things like this always made the members feel strangely emotional.
Because you never asked for much.
Just warmth.
Attention.
Love.
Time together.
Things they hadn’t realized you’d slowly been starving for before.
What started as gukbap and mandu turned into far too many plastic bags filled with food.
Gimbap.
Chicken skewers.
Hotteok dripping with syrup.
Bungeoppang stuffed with sweet red bean.
Cream-filled donuts.
Drinks.
Desserts.
Snacks.
Felix stared at the growing pile.
“…I think we got too much.”
You looked at the bags.
Then immediately burst into laughter. “A little bit.”
Eventually Felix got a text saying the others had found a table nearby. So, both of you hurried back carrying enough food to feed an army. The second Han saw the amounts of bags his jaw dropped.
“WHAT happened?!”
You laughed sheepishly.
“We wanted to share with everyone…”
“Did you buy the entire market?”
“Maybe.”
The long outdoor table quickly filled with food afterward.
Steam rising warmly into the cool evening air.
On one side stretched the glowing bazaar. On the other the beach glittered beneath lights and moonlit waves. And surrounded by laughter, warmth, food, and the people you loved most—
This vacation truly felt healing.
Everyone ate noisily while talking over each other. Felix stayed pressed close beside you the entire time while happily feeding you bites from different desserts he wanted you to try.
“You need to taste this.”
“Lix, I’m still chewing—”
“Open.”
Your cheeks were puffed up with food. Before you could react, Felix immediately pointed dramatically.
“Hey Jisung-ah.”
Han looked up.
“Hm?”
“You guys look exactly the same.”
Silence.
You and Han slowly turned toward each other.
Both with puffed cheeks full of food.
Both blinking innocently.
Then suddenly—
You both nearly choked laughing.
Han bent forward coughing dramatically while you grabbed Felix’s shoulder wheezing. The entire table erupted immediately.
“Oh my god.”
“They actually do.”
“Copy paste.”
“You’re both squirrels.”
“I hate you guys,” Han laughed breathlessly.
Eventually the eating slowed down. You rubbed your stomach lightly with a small laugh. “I’m gonna regret gaining all this weight…”
The comment came too casually.
Thoughtlessly.
But Felix immediately frowned beside you.
“What do you mean?”
You blinked at his tone.
“It’s okay to enjoy good food like this.” His voice softened slightly afterward. “You should enjoy it.”
You smiled weakly. “Yeah… you’re right.”
Still your fingers unconsciously fiddled with your dress a little.
“I just…” you hesitated quietly, “I can’t help worrying a little lately.”
The others slowly looked toward you.
Jeongin tilted his head slightly.
“Why? You look really good though, Doll.”
Then softer, “Did you actually gain weight?”
You shook your head quickly.
“Not really…”
Your voice trailed off uncertainly.
“It’s just…”
The moment Jina’s name nearly left your mouth, your chest tightened strangely. But eventually you sighed quietly. “…Jina mentioned my tummy during the photoshoot.”
Silence immediately settled over the table.
The atmosphere shifted subtly.
Not heavily.
But enough.
Jeongin blinked.
“…Noona did?”
You nodded slowly.
“…Yeah.”
Nobody spoke for a second. Doesn’t really know how to respond to that. But Han quickly tried smoothing things over.
“Maybe she didn’t mean it badly.” His voice sounded careful. Like he desperately wanted to prevent the mood from sinking more.
“You know how people sometimes point things out without thinking.” He smiled awkwardly. “We seriously don’t mind though. Right guys?”
Everyone nodded almost immediately.
Han hurriedly continued before the silence could deepen again.
“Anyway! What should we do after this?”
He clapped once dramatically.
“More walking? Or call it a night?”
The others slowly followed his lead, conversation beginning again little by little.
But still—
You could only manage a small tight smile. Your fingers curled lightly against your lap.
Felix’s hand found yours beneath the table. Holding it gently. Squeezing softly.
You looked sideways.
He was already looking at you lovingly, with his famous sparkly bobba eyes.
His expression quiet.
Tender.
Understanding.
No teasing.
No joking.
Just reassurance.
Like he knew your thoughts were spiraling again.
Your chest fluttered at the kindness.
Slowly, you mouthed toward him—
“Thank you.”
Felix smiled softly in return.
And without letting go of your hand—
He intertwined your fingers together tighter.
The walk back to the staycation house felt slower than the rest of the day. Not because anyone was tired. But because nobody wanted the day to end yet.
The night air was cool against your skin, carrying the scent of salt and summer. Waves crashed softly somewhere beyond the darkness while the lights of the nearby town twinkled behind you. Every now and then, laughter broke out among the members as they retold moments from the day.
Han dramatically reenacted himself nearly choking from laughing at dinner. Felix insisted the story became funnier every time. Hyunjin somehow got distracted by the moon reflecting on the ocean and spent several minutes trying to photograph it. And you?
You simply walked in the middle of them.
Listening.
Smiling.
Feeling strangely warm even with the cool wind blowing from the shore.
By the time everyone returned to the house, the atmosphere had settled into something cozy.
Home-like.
Shoes were kicked off near the entrance.
Bags got tossed onto chairs.
Someone immediately claimed the largest section of the couch.
Someone else stole the softest blanket.
The living room quickly filled with life again.
Felix sprawled across one end of the sofa.
Han occupied an entire beanbag like a starfish.
Changbin sat cross-legged on the floor.
Minho somehow looked elegant even while half-slouching into a chair.
The fireplace wasn't lit, but the room still felt warm from the lingering energy everyone carried back with them. You ended up curled on the arm of the sofa while everyone continued talking.
The conversation naturally shifted toward tomorrow.
"Beach day." Felix immediately sat upright. His eyes sparkled. "A full beach day."
The others laughed.
Of course Felix had already planned the entire thing. He pointed around the room dramatically.
"Morning walk first."
Everyone nodded.
"Then beach games."
More nods. Perfect because the staycation site has its own private beach. A sharing private beach with the other occupants of the other houses. There're also some hut bars for several kinds of drinks, foods, and even snacks build by the site owner. And of course, delicious signature cocktails and mocktails. Still need to pay for the beverages and foods tho, but still perfect for a small get away like this.
"We stop around lunch."
"Picnic?" Han suggested.
"Picnic under the shades and trees outside!" Felix agreed immediately.
"Then after resting we go back around three or four."
"To avoid the sunburn," Seungmin added.
"Exactly."
The planning continued for almost twenty minutes.
Ideas bounced around constantly.
Volleyball.
Swimming.
Building sandcastles.
Taking photos.
Watching sunset.
Eventually you raised your hand slightly.
"I wanna collect seashells."
The room immediately paused.
You smiled sheepishly.
"And maybe paint them."
Hyunjin's head snapped toward you.
"WAIT."
His eyes widened.
"You brought art supplies?"
You nodded enthusiastically.
His entire face lit up.
"Oh my god."
He looked genuinely excited.
"We are absolutely doing that."
You laughed.
"I thought you would like it."
"I love it."
Meanwhile Jeongin pointed at you from across the room.
"You really prepared for everything."
You puffed your chest slightly.
"I try."
"No seriously."
He laughed.
"What would we do without you, Y/N-ah?"
The words were casual.
Probably not meant to linger.
But they did.
Because there was a time recently when you genuinely wondered if they still needed you at all.
The warmth in your chest felt bittersweet.
Before you could dwell on it, however—
Seungmin suddenly spoke.
"I can't wait to see the swimsuits."
Silence.
Then immediate realization crossed your face. "Oh."
Everyone looked toward you.
"Oh!"
You nearly jumped up.
"I forgot about those!"
The members looked confused as you suddenly scrambled off the couch and bolted upstairs.
"Where are you going?!"
Nobody got an answer.
Five minutes later—
You returned carrying a pile of swimsuits.
The room erupted immediately.
"What is that?"
"Wait."
"Are those all swimsuits?"
You dumped the pile dramatically onto the center rug.
The members stared.
Then stared harder.
Then looked at each other.
You crossed your arms.
"Help me choose!"
Immediately their attention sharpened. Like you had just announced a national emergency. "I only brought four options."
You pointed dramatically.
"Before anyone complains."
Several members immediately closed their mouths, refraining themselves from complaining. You narrowed your eyes. "Some of the swimsuits you guys bought..."
You paused.
"...are ridiculous."
Hyunjin coughed.
Chan suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.
Han refused eye contact.
You pointed accusingly to each member.
"Way too revealing."
The guilty members avoided your gaze.
"I am not confident enough for those."
Pouting immediately spread across multiple faces, which you concluded are the ones who bought the most revealing ones.
You ignored them.
"Anyway."
You gestured toward the remaining choices.
There's a simple dark blue long sleeve one piece with a hot pink flower on the bottom parts, a black halter with a crisscross design two piece, a soft pink swim dress with a flowy short skirt, and lastly a lighter blue halter swimsuit but with a boy short, a triangle shaped hole on the stomach area and white vertical stripes with a little bow in the middle for the top part.
The room immediately descended into chaos. Everyone gathered around the swimsuits and picking it up to look at it better.
Studying them.
Discussing them.
Arguing over them.
Like professional judges at some international competition.
You sat comfortably on the single sofa nearby. All of them looked too focused and thinking too hard like it's a non-negotiable life and death situation. They huddled around to discussed it together while you adjusted your position leaning on the arm rest staring amused at their dedication. You stifle a giggle with seeing how cute they are and their non-stop argue about which swim wear you should wear and why. You let out your phone to take picture of that very moment.
Watching.
Amused.
Because they were taking this so seriously.
"You don't understand."
Hyunjin pointed dramatically.
"The blue one matches her eyes."
"No it doesn't."
"It matches her vibe."
"That's not a thing."
"It absolutely is."
Meanwhile Han held up the pink swimdress.
"This one is cute."
"But the blue one is prettier."
"The black one is elegant."
"The black one is dangerous."
"What does that even mean?"
"You know exactly what it means."
You nearly choked holding back laughter. Because the sight was honestly adorable. Eight grown men huddled together debating your swimwear like their lives depended on it. Their brows furrowed.
Hands gesturing dramatically.
Voices overlapping.
The entire thing felt ridiculous.
And strangely precious.
Eventually a final verdict emerged. The black halter swimsuit and the blue sailor-inspired swimsuit. The members stood together proudly like they had completed a group project. Minho stepped forward first.
"We have decided."
You laughed.
"Okay?"
"The second one."
"And the fourth one."
You blinked.
"Really?"
Everyone nodded.
You looked down uncertainly.
"Are you sure it won't look weird on me?"
Immediately multiple voices answered.
"No."
"Absolutely not."
"Not even close."
"You'll look amazing."
Chan waved away your concerns entirely.
"You'll look beautiful."
The certainty in his voice made your ears warm.
Slowly you smiled.
"Okay."
A small pause.
Then—
"Okay, I trust you guys."
Immediately quiet celebrations broke out.
"YES."
"I told you."
"Victory."
The room dissolved into laughter once more.
For a little while, everything felt light.
A phone rang.
Felix glanced down.
His expression brightened.
"Oh."
The screen showed a video call. From Jina.
The atmosphere shifted almost imperceptibly.
Not enough for most people to notice. But your ears twitched immediately.
Felix answered and put up the phone so it can capture everyone. Her face appeared instantly.
Bright smile.
Perfect makeup.
Cheerful voice.
"Hey guys!"
Everyone greeted her warmly.
The members naturally gathered closer around Felix's phone.
"Hey Jina."
"How are you?"
"Miss us already?"
The members bombarded her with questions. She laughed.
"I was looking for you guys!" Her eyes widened dramatically. "I texted Chan this morning." She pointed accusingly. "No response all day."
Chan winced. "Oh. I’m so sorry, Jina-ah"
"You ignored me!"
"I forgot."
"You forgot me?"
Everyone laughed.
Then Jeongin casually answered.
"We're in Busan, noona. We’re having a little vacation!"
Jina blinked. Then pouted immediately. "What?" Her voice became playfully dramatic. "You guys didn't invite me?"
She pressed a hand against her chest.
"Wow. Damn. I thought I was special." The members laughed awkwardly.
And immediately—
Something unpleasant twisted inside your stomach. Irritation.
Because you could predict what will come. You answered before anyone else could. "It's Stray Kids members only." Your voice came calmly. "Sorry, not sorry."
The room went quiet.
Jina's eyes found you through the screen. Then narrowed almost invisibly. "Oh?" The smile stayed. But something colder flashed underneath. "And they brought ‘you’ along?"
The emphasis landed immediately. Like she’s mocking you.
You felt it.
Everyone did. The tension growing.
You leaned back slightly, scoffing softly.
"Of course."
Your smile mirrored hers. "Why wouldn't they?" you mocked her back.
A brief silence followed.
Then Jina looked back toward the members.
"Seriously though." She laughed lightly.
"Why bring her but not me?"
The atmosphere immediately became awkward with this growing competing like tension.
Your nose picked it up before anyone spoke.
Nervousness.
Discomfort. Awkwardness.
The members exchanged glances.
Changbin spoke first. Trying to smooth things over. "We're sorry, Jina-ah." He smiled apologetically. "It was really a last minute."
You rolled your eyes unconsciously, before you could stop yourself. "It's not a big deal."
The room quieted again.
You looked directly at the phone.
"She's just a staff." Pointing at her. The words came bluntly. "We agreed no staff. And it was final, end of discussion."
You continued.
"We didn't invite managers either." You shrugged.
"Though they know we're here, they are not upset or anything. It's not a big deal, really !"
The silence afterward felt heavier.
Jina's smile faded slightly.
Then quietly—
"You really hate me that much, huh?"
The question wasn't loud.
But it landed.
Immediately.
You blinked. "wha-?"
Because suddenly everyone was looking at you.
Chan frowned.
"Y/N-ah..."
His voice was gentle.
"You shouldn't say it like that."
Your stomach tightened.
You sighed.
Trying again.
"I'm not saying I hate her."
You rubbed your temple.
"I'm just saying..."
You searched for the words.
"If you're not invited somewhere..."
You hesitated.
"...sometimes it just means the event isn't meant for you."
You shrugged.
"That's normal. It’s common sense."
Still.
The atmosphere remained uncomfortable. Minho could see how you grew frustrated at that moment, he finally spoke. His voice soft. Kind. The same voice that always made your defenses crumble. "I understand what you mean, Jagi."
You immediately looked toward him. His expression stayed warm. "But I think it sounded a little harsh." The disappointment wasn't even there. Yet somehow—
That made it worse. Instant guilt flooded through you. Your ears lowered flatten back. "...Yeah."
You looked away. "I guess you're right."
Minho smiled softly.
Not angry.
Never angry.
Just understanding.
And somehow that made your chest ache. “I’m sorry about that…”
You sighed and stood slowly.
Dusting invisible lint from your clothes. Stretching slightly to avoid looking so awkward. "I'm gonna head in first." You didn't wait for their responds, you went on.
Nobody stopped you from going.
Maybe because they thought you wanted rest.
Maybe because nobody knew what to say.
Quietly climbing the stairs. Leaving the conversation behind. Your room felt colder somehow.
Quieter.
You sat on the edge of the bed.
Listening.
The walls weren't thick. You could still hear voices from downstairs faintly.
Laughter.
Conversation.
Jina's voice through the phone.
The members reassuring her. Comforting her. Explaining things. Telling her stories from today.
You knew they were only being kind. That was who they were.
Kind.
Patient.
Thoughtful.
The very things you loved most about them.
So why did it bother you so much?
Why did your chest feel tight?
Why did irritation still linger?
You stared at the floor.
Trying to untangle the feeling.
Trying to decide whether it was jealousy.
Frustration.
Resentment.
Or something else entirely.
Because maybe—
Just maybe—
You were tired of always being asked to understand.
Tired of always making room.
Tired of watching someone who constantly made you uncomfortable receive endless patience anyway.
The thought immediately made guilt follow afterward.
Because wasn't that unfair?
Wasn't that petty?
You sighed heavily.
Rubbing your face.
No matter how much you thought about it—
The feeling wouldn't disappear.
Maybe because feelings weren't always logical.
Sometimes they simply existed.
Whether they were justified or not.
Outside your bedroom window, the ocean continued singing softly beneath the night sky.
And downstairs—
The laughter continued.
While you sat alone trying to figure out why your heart suddenly felt heavy again.
Eventually you stood. Gathering your pajamas and toiletries.
The familiar routine helped.
Something simple.
Something predictable.
Something quiet.
The guest bathroom upstairs you occupied was quiet.
Too quiet.
The soft yellow light above the mirror illuminated the room warmly while the distant sound of laughter from downstairs echoed faintly through the house as you stood there brushing your teeth.
For a moment, you simply stared at your reflection.
The girl staring back looked normal.
Maybe a little tired.
Hair slightly messy.
Fluffy ears drooping relax and comfortably.
Nothing seemed wrong.
Yet ten minutes ago your thoughts had been spiraling. Too full.
About Jina.
The conversation downstairs.
The uncomfortable feeling in your chest.
The way Chan frowned.
The way Minho gently corrected you.
The way everyone immediately rushed to make sure Jina didn't feel left out.
Your mind had been loud.
Crowded.
Heavy.
But now...
Nothing.
Just emptiness.
You blinked slowly at yourself. The toothbrush moving absentmindedly.
Maybe you were tired.
Maybe you genuinely didn't want to waste this vacation being upset over someone who wasn't worth it.
The realization settled softly inside your chest. You spat into the sink before rinsing your mouth.
A long breath escaped you.
Cold water splashed against your face.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The chill immediately shocked your senses awake.
You lifted your head.
Water dripped from your chin.
And somehow...
You felt lighter.
Not perfect.
Not completely okay.
But lighter.
“Enough.”
Enough to enjoy tomorrow.
Enough to enjoy tonight.
Enough to stop thinking.
For now. “Not tonight.” You mumbled to yourself. So you dried your face, gathered your things, and headed back toward your room.
Your room welcomed you with comfortable silence.
You changed into your pajamas.
A loose oversized shirt and soft shorts.
The bed practically called your name. Then you practically face-planted onto the bed.
"Ahhh..."
A long sigh escaped you.
Your tail lazily swished against the blanket.
Yet instead of immediately sleeping, reaching over, you grabbed your phone. Soft music filled the room. The kind of songs that made your chest feel warm.
You grabbed your notebook from your bag and your favorite pen.
Then climbed onto the bed.
Cross-legged.
A recent habit.
A habit you had picked up from Seungmin months ago.
At first he'd suggested journaling after noticing how often you bottled things up.
You remembered the conversation clearly.
"Just try it."
"What's the point?"
"You learn things about yourself."
"That sounds scary."
"Exactly."
You had rolled your eyes back then.
But eventually tried it.
And now?
You loved it.
Writing things down somehow made everything easier to understand. Your feelings became less tangled. Your worries less overwhelming. Your gratitude easier to notice.
The notebook opened naturally to a fresh page.
You smiled softly.
Just you.
Your thoughts.
And honesty.
The pages slowly filled.
Things you were grateful for.
The brunch.
The ocean.
Felix feeding you desserts.
Hyunjin getting excited over painting shells.
Chan carrying you last night.
The shopping trip.
Jeongin helping you pose for pictures.
Changbin complimenting you at sunset.
Even the silly swimsuit debate.
As you wrote, the memories replayed.
One by one.
And despite everything...
You smiled.
Because today had been good.
Really good.
You didn't want one uncomfortable conversation to erase all of that.
The song playing through your speaker reached its chorus.
You hummed along absentmindedly. Tail lazily swaying behind you. The room felt peaceful.
Then—
Click.
Your door opened.
You looked up.
Seungmin stood there already dressed for bed. One shoulder leaning against the frame. Arms crossed.
Smirk displaying on his face.
"Still journaling?"
His voice carried amusement.
You closed the notebook.
"I'm done."
His smirk widened.
"Good."
Something immediately felt suspicious.
Your eyes narrowed.
"Why?"
Instead of answering—
He looked behind him.
"Hyung." He called to his behind, his grin became downright evil. "She's done."
Then a shadow appeared behind him.
Changbin.
The moment he stepped into view—
You sat up straighter and immediately every instinct in your body screamed danger.
Because for some reason—
He looked calm.
Too calm.
His expression was completely serious.
Dangerously focused.
He entered your room calmly.
Slowly.
The floor creaked beneath his weight.
You instinctively scooted backward on the bed.
"What?"
No answer.
Changbin continued approaching.
"What?"
Still nothing.
"Changbin."
His expression never changed.
You looked toward Seungmin.
The younger man was visibly holding back laughter.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
No answer.
Your survival instincts activated immediately.
"You two are planning something."
Seungmin finally cracked.
A laugh escaped him.
And somehow that felt worse.
"Guys?"
Changbin stopped directly in front of the bed.
Towering.
Massive.
You gulped. Because why was Seo Changbin suddenly so enormous?
"...Guys."
Without warning—
Two strong arms wrapped around your waist. A startled squeak escaped you. Then suddenly the world flipped upside down.
"AH—"
Before you could react—
You were thrown over Changbin's shoulder. Slung you over like a sack of potato. Like absolutely nothing. Like you weighed less than a pillow. "CHANGBIN!"
Your voice echoed through the room and outside.
Seungmin doubled over laughing.
"Oh my god."
You kicked your legs.
"This is kidnapping!"
"Nope."
Seungmin followed behind happily.
"It's more like a catnapping."
You gasped dramatically.
"SEUNGMIN."
The betrayal.
The absolute betrayal.
Changbin simply continued walking.
Unaffected.
Calm.
As if carrying an outraged cat hybrid over his shoulder happened every day.
Which honestly...
It kind of did.
By now they had reached the bottom of the stairs.
Your protests echoed throughout the house.
Immediately attracting attentions from the living room.
You squirmed a little trying to escape. Only for Changbin's large hand to lightly smack the back of your thigh.
"Behave."
"NO."
"You asked for this."
"I DIDN'T."
"You did."
"I LITERALLY DIDN'T."
The remaining members looked up from their card game.
Han blinked.
Felix blinked.
Hyunjin blinked.
Jeongin blinked.
Minho looked up from his cards.
Then casually looked back down.
Nobody appeared concerned.
Not a single person.
Only Chan laughing from the scene.
"HELP ME."
You reached dramatically toward them.
"PLEASE."
Han pointed at you.
"You look comfortable."
"I AM NOT."
"You kinda do."
"I'M BEING KIDNAPPED."
Minho placed a card down. "No." He answered calmly. "You're being collected."
The room erupted into laughter.
You gasped.
"Collected?!"
"Like a stray cat."
Felix nodded seriously.
"Exactly."
You felt betrayed by every single one of them. You crossed your arms and glared at them. Meanwhile Seungmin laughed so hard he nearly missed a step.
The three of you finally reached the bedroom.
Changbin and Seungmin's room.
The door opened.
Then closed behind you.
The room immediately felt warmer.
Changbin finally set you down onto the bed. More like tossed you to the bed. Making you bounced on it.
Seungmin plopped next to you on the edge of the bed. Changbin sat on his side of bed, leaning back on the headboard. You layed on the middle of them, your elbows supporting your upper body.
Seungmin smiled.
"You looked upset earlier." He poked your forehead.
Your expression softened slightly.
"...Oh."
Changbin crossed his arms.
"You disappeared."
"I was getting ready for bed."
"You were hiding."
"I wasn't."
"You were."
You opened your mouth.
Then closed it.
Because unfortunately—
He wasn't entirely wrong. You lay there flat looking at the ceiling.
Silence settled.
Gentle.
Comfortable.
The teasing faded.
Leaving behind something softer.
Seungmin hover on top of you, lightly flicking one of your ears.
"You know."
He spoke quietly.
"You don't always have to handle things by yourself."
You looked at his kind eyes.
Changbin's voice came next.
Lower.
Steadier.
"We notice more than you think."
The words settled deep inside your chest. So instead of answering you laughed sheepishly.
Weakly.
Trying to hide it.
Seungmin pressed his body on top of you, trapping you and nuzzling his head on the crook of your neck. You groaned from the sudden weight. His arm circling you. Changbin chuckled from seeing the scene in front of him. It’s so rare for Puppy Seungmin to emerge in front of others like this. “Puppy!” you giggled, hand immediately interlocked with his hair. Massaging his nape, while the other hand pulled him closer. Legs locking his waist.
That night you were trapped between both of them.
Outside, the ocean continued singing beyond the windows.
Inside, the house remained alive with distant voices and laughter from the members downstairs.
And somewhere between those moments— Curled up safely between two people who refused to let you isolate yourself. Ending in Changbin spooning both you and Seungmin, who were hugging each other. It was so warm that night, making you purred. Healing both boys in their sleep with those low vibrations.
WHEN IS CHAPTER 9 GETTING UPDATED IM GONNA START TURNING INTO A DINOSAUR 😭😔
Hi everyone ! First of all I want to thank you for the love and the wait for the next update of 9 Lives But One Home. And then I want to give my biggest and my most sincere apology for the long waiting time. Currently I'm swamp with a lot of work that I'm losing sleep too, and it kinda holds me back from updating the next chapter and continue writing. I don't really know when will all these busyness subdue, but don't worry because I will update soon. Thank you all for your patience and support !
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write. Chapter TW : a little suggestive but not really !
Word Count : 3,777 < Previous Next > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER 8 - Beautiful
Morning came softly to the staycation house.
Golden sunlight slipped carefully through the curtains, painting warm streaks across wooden floors and tangled blankets. Outside, waves rolled endlessly against the shore in calm rhythm, their distant sound blending beautifully with the peaceful silence inside the house.
For once—
Nobody had alarms blaring.
No managers rushing them.
No schedules demanding immediate movement.
Only rest.
And maybe that was why everyone woke slowly. One by one the members emerged from their rooms looking half-dead and sleepy, hair messy, oversized shirts hanging lazily from their bodies while yawns echoed throughout the house. Scattered around the house like sleepy cats themselves.
Felix collapsed dramatically onto the couch first. “I’m still tired.”
“You slept for like ten hours,” Seungmin pointed out while walking into the kitchen.
“Not enough.”
Meanwhile Lee Know quietly started preparing coffee while Han wandered around wrapped entirely in a blanket like a ghost. “Water…”
Minho passed by holding coffee.
“You’re pathetic.”
“I know.”
The living room slowly filled afterward. The atmosphere felt slow.
Lazy.
Comfortable.
Hyunjin appeared with messy hair and oversized pajamas.
Changbin walked in still yawning.
Seungmin sat quietly scrolling through his phone while Jeongin practically slept upright against the couch cushions.
Until suddenly—
“What time is it?”
Jeongin checked his phone lazily.
“…10:45.”
Silence.
Then immediate chaos.
“…Why is it almost eleven?!”
“WHAT?”
“I thought we were leaving before noon?!”
“Why didn’t anyone wake us up?!”
Han nearly tripped over his own blanket rushing upright while Felix panicked dramatically about wasted daylight. In the middle of the chaos, Seungmin frowned slightly while looking around. “…Wait.”
Everyone paused briefly.
“Where’s Y/N?”
That immediately made everyone look around instinctively.
No answer.
Then Seungmin blinked slowly. “And Chan hyung?”
“Y/N and Chan hyung aren’t awake either.”
That immediately silenced the room.
Usually it was either you or Chan waking everyone first.
Always.
Jeongin yawned loudly from the kitchen doorway.
“That's weird.. Chan hyung didn’t sleep in our room last night.”
Silence.
Then Han’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh my god.”
Without another word, he immediately sprinted upstairs. The others followed instantly, immediately burst into laughter while following behind him noisily.
“NO WAY.”
“YAH WAIT FOR ME.”
“I KNEW IT.”
“Move. MOVE !”
“I KNEW IT.”
“You’re all acting like middle schoolers,” Minho sighed while still following behind them anyway. Eventually the entire group gathered outside your bedroom door while Han slowly pushed it open dramatically. The bedroom door swung open with a thud.
And immediately everyone froze.
Because there you were. Still deeply asleep. Curled while parts of your body was on top of Bang Chan like you naturally belonged there.
Chan laid sprawled across the bed, somehow he was shirtless beneath you, one arm sprawled up beside his head while the other rested low against the backside of your upper thigh that’s on his stomach where it’s dangerously too close to your ass possessively. His discarded shirt from last night sat somewhere near the edge of the mattress alongside tangled blankets that clearly hadn’t survived the night.
Your cheek squished softly against his warm chest, making your face look impossibly soft and ridiculously cute. Tiny quiet purrs vibrating faintly from your chest can be heard by them.
And somehow you looked so smaller than you actually are, wrapped around their leader.
So safe.
So comfortable.
Han gasped dramatically loud enough to wake the dead.
“Oh my GOD!”
The noise finally stirred Chan awake. Slowly, Bang Chan blinked open sleepy eyes before spotting seven members crowded in the doorway staring at him. And instead of shame, Chan just stared right back at them lazily.
Completely unbothered.
Then with absolutely zero embarrassment he closed his eyes again like he intended to continue sleeping.
Felix looked personally betrayed.
“HEY! That’s not fair!”
“Says who?” Chan answered lazily without even opening his eyes again.
The smugness in his voice made everyone immediately erupt.
“YAH!”
“You’re unbelievable!”
“You stole her!”
“She has her own room for a reason!”
Still half asleep, Chan only pulled you slightly closer against him.
Deliberately.
Teasingly.
And unfortunately for the others—
The movement only made the position look more intimate.
Han looked personally devastated.
Meanwhile Minho leaned casually against the doorway with crossed arms, clearly amused rather than shocked.
“You’re all acting surprised like you didn’t expect this eventually.”
“Not helping,” Seungmin sighed while laughing.
Meanwhile Chan only smirked faintly before deciding to make things infinitely worse.
Then—
Almost deliberately dangerously slow.
His hand slowly dragged up tracing along your thigh up to the plush of your ass. Squeezing and fondling softly, fingers squeezing softly against the plush skin like he was making a point.
The room exploded instantly.
“HEY HEY HEY!”
“HYUNG.”
“WE CAN SEE YOU.”
"Hey ! THAT'S OFF LIMIT !"
Chan finally opened one eye again, completely unashamed.
“What?”
“You know what.”
Even Hyunjin had started laughing helplessly by now.
“This is painful to witness.”
Minho laughed openly from the doorway while Hyunjin nearly collapsed against the wall from amusement.
“You’re doing that on purpose!” Han accused dramatically.
Chan finally opened one eye again.
“Maybe.”
Then even worse—
His other hand landed on your waist slipped beneath the hem of your sleep shirt slightly and dragging it upward a little, thumb brushing lazily against the warm exposed skin there.
Not inappropriate.
But absolutely enough to send the others into chaos.
“Christopher Bahng!”
Felix sounded betrayed.
Meanwhile Chan smirking with eyes closed, looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Like a dragon proudly guarding treasure.
The commotion eventually stirred you awake, purr died down. A soft sleepy moaning sound escaped your lips first before you shifted slowly on top of Chan. The room instantly went silent.
You blinked tiredly, still barely conscious.
Then pushed yourself up weakly—
You looked devastatingly adorable.
Sleep still clung heavily to your expression while your fluffy ears twitched weakly. One ear had folded awkwardly inside out during the night, making Felix physically clutch his chest from cuteness aggression.
Now accidentally straddling Chan’s hips while your hands rested against his stomach for balance, with him gripping your hips for balancing you. Your oversized sleep shirt hung loosely off one shoulder while your fluffy hair looked completely ruined from sleep.
Everyone stared.
Completely defeated and awestruck. Because somehow this looks is such a rare sight to them, you waking up before them. Not from nap, but from real night sleep.
You blinked slowly at the crowd gathered in the doorway. Completely confused. “…Hm?”
Nobody answered immediately.
Because every single member was too busy staring at you. Your cheeks looked soft and puffy from sleep.
Hair messy.
Eyes barely open.
And the tiny sleepy pout on your lips nearly killed everyone instantly.
Then yawned softly.
Before immediately collapsing back down against Chan’s chest with a tiny sleepy whine.
“I’m tired…”
Your voice came muffled against his skin as you curled instinctively beneath his chin again, purr sound can be heard again.
The members physically recoiled.
“That’s lethal,” Hyunjin whispered dramatically.
“Aww,” Chan cooed sweetly. “They woke my baby girl up huh?.” Chan continued back on fondling your lower ass and kiss the top of your head sweetly. While his other hand still on your hip.
“YOUR baby girl?!” Han shouted.
Chan ignored him entirely.
Instead, he gently cradled the back of your head before turning fully onto his side—
Taking you with him, adjusting the blanket to cover the both of you. And completely shielding you away with his entire body from the others. Like he genuinely intended to hide you away forever. Jeongin burst into laughter immediately.
“He’s actually hoarding her.”
Felix finally snapped.
“No absolutely not.”
Han and Felix launched themselves onto the bed dramatically attempting to pry you away.
“Give her back!”
“She belongs to all of us!”
Chan tightened his grip dramatically.
“She chose me.”
“She was unconscious!”
Meanwhile you remained half asleep through the entire argument, clinging lazily to Chan’s chest while your tail swished slowly beneath the blankets. You blinked awake slightly again from all the movement, confused laughter bubbling weakly from your chest while being squished between fighting members.
“What’s happening…”
Minho shook his head while laughing softly beside Seungmin.
“Embarrassing.”
“They’re acting like divorced parents fighting custody,” Seungmin sighed.
Even Changbin leaned against the doorway laughing before eventually joining Han and Felix trying to pry you away.
“Okay move over already.”
“No.”
“Chan.”
“She’s comfortable.”
“She’s asleep!”
“Exactly.”
Eventually the bed devolved into complete chaos.
Blankets got stolen.
Felix attempted dragging you gently by the waist.
Han complained loudly every five seconds.
Changbin wrestled Chan’s arm away while laughing.
Hyunjin joined in eventually got a chance to grab your arm dramatically pulling you away from Chan. “Come here.”
Chan groaned loudly.
“Traitors.”
Meanwhile Minho, Seungmin and Jeongin only watched the chaos with exhausted amusement.
“Children,” Minho muttered.
“Literal children,” Seungmin agree
By the time everyone finally got ready to leave for brunch, the energy inside the house felt warm and lively again. Sleepiness lingered softly beneath everyone’s movements while the ocean breeze greeted you all the second you stepped outside. The salty air filled your lungs immediately.
Fresh.
Cool.
Comforting.
Your ears perked instantly at the sound of distant waves while everyone slowly made their way toward a nearby ocean-side restaurant.
The streets near the shoreline buzzed peacefully with late morning life. The smell of grilled seafood drifting through the air. You walked quietly between the members while sunlight warmed your skin.
And for a moment—
Everything truly felt okay again.
No tension.
No loneliness.
No fear.
Just warmth.
Laughter.
Belonging.
You walked beside the members toward a nearby seaside restaurant while salty air brushed gently against your skin and hair. The ocean spread endlessly beside the road, waves crashing rhythmically against rocks below while sunlight shimmered beautifully across the water.
Everyone instantly relaxed the second they reached the coast.
Schedules. Stress. Pressure. Everything seemed farther away here.
Felix stretched both arms dramatically toward the sky.
“This is healing me emotionally.”
“You keep say that every five minutes,” Seungmin replied.
“Because I need healing every five minutes.”
You laughed softly while walking between Chan and Jeongin, your cardigan fluttering slightly in the sea breeze.
Then suddenly—
Chan reached down quietly and hooked his pinky around yours.
Small subtle gesture but warm.
You glanced up at him.
He only smiled softly.
And for some reason—
That tiny gesture affected you more than anything else that morning.
Because after everything lately…
After all the distance.
All the hurt.
All the moments where you thought maybe you were slowly being left behind—
Being loved this openly again almost made your chest ache.
The restaurant overlooked the ocean directly, wooden decks extending toward the water while the smell of grilled food and sea salt mixed warmly together.
Everyone immediately began arguing over menu choices.
Han wanted everything.
Changbin complained about portions.
Hyunjin cared more about aesthetics than food.
Meanwhile you sat quietly for a moment just watching them.
Listening.
Smiling softly.
And without realizing—
Your tail slowly curled happily around the leg of your chair beneath the table.
Because this—
This was what you’d missed most.
Not attention.
Not gifts.
Not affection alone.
But this feeling.
Being included.
Wanted.
Loved naturally in the middle of everyday moments.
None of you noticed the way Jina’s unread message still sat quietly on Chan’s phone.
Ignored because of the Do Not Disturb mode was on.
Waiting.
Brunch ended up becoming one of those moments all of you would probably remember years later without even trying. Not because something extraordinary happened. But because everything felt so right.
The restaurant overlooked the ocean directly, large windows opened to let the sea breeze flow through naturally while warm sunlight reflected beautifully across the water outside. The salty scent of the ocean mixed together with grilled seafood, butter, citrus, and fresh drinks, creating an atmosphere so comforting it made everyone visibly relax deeper into their seats.
The long table overflowed with dishes.
Fresh grilled fish.
Crab.
Shrimp.
Seafood stew.
Rice bowls.
Fruit platters.
Cold drinks sweating beneath the warmth of late morning.
The members talked over each other constantly, laughter weaving naturally between bites of food and random conversations.
You sat comfortably beside Lee Know, who’d somehow silently taken responsibility for helping you eat the moment he noticed you struggling with seafood shells. “You’re hopeless,” he muttered fondly while peeling shrimp for you effortlessly.
“I’m trying…”
“You almost launched crab meat across the restaurant.”
“That happened once.”
“It happened twice.”
You gasped softly while Han laughed loudly from across the table. Minho only shook his head with amusement before placing freshly peeled seafood carefully onto your plate.
“Eat.”
Your tail flicked happily behind your chair while you obediently took another bite.
The savory taste nearly made your eyes close.
“So good…”
Minho glanced sideways at your expression and smiled faintly to himself.
A little sauce lingered near the corner of your lips.
Without even thinking about it, his thumb brushed there casually, wiping it away with the side of his knuckle.
The gesture felt so natural like he’d done it a thousand times before.
You blinked softly at him.
“…Thank you.”
Minho only hummed quietly before continuing to peel more seafood for you.
Across the table, Felix whispered dramatically to Hyunjin—
“They’re literally married.”
“I know right ? I want to be married to her too.”
“Channie hyung HOW could you leave me alone in our room last night! Even worse you went to sleep with Y/n, keeping her to yourself!” Jeongin playfully brought up the topic about this morning. Everyone calling him out agreeing with Jeongin, while you only chewed on your food looking at Chan to see his reaction. “If you brought her to our room last night I wouldn’t complain.” Jeongin added. Chan only laughed, forming thin lines to the outer of his eyes. Hand waving to dismissed the teasing.
“Oh you guys, there’s nothing happened last night, I should be the one complaining.” Your calm reply shocked everyone, making them laughed even more. Han clapped his hand and throwing his head back laughing, Felix and Jeongin’s mouths wide open surprised from the comeback. Everyone can hear Changbin’s iconic laugh. Chan though, looking so shocked his eyes and mouth wide apart, disbelieve written all over his face.
“What did you guys expect bound to happen?” You continued chuckled teasingly, cocking an eyebrow to mocked them more and continued stuffing rice into your mouth. “Wait!... you expected something to happen?! What did you expect to happen Y/N-ah ?!” Chan pointing his finger at you, his ears hot and red.
“Oooh so sassy! I love that side of you!” Hyunjin said outloud.
“Huhh I don’t know Chan…” you took a moment to swallow the food properly, “why don’t you try and find out?” you looked at him, trying to looked as innocent as ever. Minho smirked beside you and poke your side tickling you, “Such a brat aren’t ya?”. You playfully winked at him, drawing a small laughter from Minho, shaking his head. Chan can only scoffed, tongue the inside of his cheek, nodding his head, lips forming a half-smile, amused and still can’t believe how casually you flirted back.
After most of the table finished eating, only Chan, Changbin, and Minho still had proper meals untouched in front of them.
Because naturally they’d spent most of brunch feeding everyone else first.
Cutting food.
Passing dishes.
Helping you.
Refilling drinks.
Han noticed too and frowned.
“Hyungs, eat properly.”
“We are,” Changbin answered while finally taking his first real bite.
Once everyone finally finished eating, the atmosphere shifted into lazy contentment.
Sunlight glowed warmly through the windows while drinks sweated against the tabletop and nobody looked particularly eager to move.
Then suddenly—
“Dessert?”
You turned toward Han immediately.
Han already looked halfway through convincing himself.
“I want something cold.”
He leaned closer dramatically.
“Share with me?”
You laughed softly.
“Okay.”
“YES.” Han immediately flagged down a waiter while looking absurdly pleased with himself.
Across the table, Felix bounced excitedly in his seat. “We should explore today.” Everyone looked toward him. Felix gestured excitedly toward the ocean outside.
“Like properly explore Busan. Cute places. Shops. The streets. Then tomorrow can be full beach day.”
“That actually sounds nice,” Hyunjin agreed immediately.
“Thursday’s perfect too,” Seungmin added. “Less crowded.”
Jeongin nodded while sipping his drink lazily.
“Tomorrow beach. Then Saturday we should just relax at the house.”
He pointed his fork thoughtfully.
“There’ll probably be fireworks and drone shows near the beach this weekend anyway.”
“Ooh,” Felix perked up instantly.
“We can watch from the porch,” Seungmin added excitedly.
“And barbecue.”
“Yes,” Changbin immediately agreed.
Minho hummed thoughtfully.
“Add alcohol too.”
Then his eyes shifted directly toward you.
“But not for you.”
You blinked in disbelief.
“What?!”
Everyone laughed immediately at your offended expression.
You pointed accusingly at him.
“Why can’t I drink with you guys?!”
“Because no.”
“That’s not an answer!”
Chan nodded seriously beside him.
“He’s right.”
You looked even more betrayed.
“Christopher Bang!”
But Chan only hid his smile behind his drink.
“It’s bad for your health.”
“Then it’s not good for your health too!”
“Nahh it’s only bad for kitten.” He mocked even more.
“Hey!”
Han nearly wheezed laughing while scooping dessert onto a spoon.
“Just drink apple juice, baby.”
Then he fed you the spoonful before you could continue arguing.
The cold sweetness instantly distracted you.
“…Oh this is good.”
“Exactly.”
Minho shook his head fondly.
“So easy.”
The rest of the afternoon passed beautifully. Busan felt alive in a completely different way compared to Seoul.
Softer somehow.
More relaxed.
The streets bustled gently with people wandering through markets, cafés, and seaside paths while ocean air lingered everywhere.
The members stayed close together while walking through the marketplace since even on weekdays there were still enough people around to lose someone accidentally.
Food stalls lined the streets selling hotteok, seafood skewers, fish cakes, and shaved ice while little souvenir shops displayed jewelry, accessories, handmade crafts, and clothing.
Your eyes sparkled the entire time.
“There’s so much stuff…”
Han immediately bought snacks for everyone.
Felix got distracted by literally every dessert stand.
Hyunjin disappeared twice because he spotted “pretty lighting” for photos.
And somewhere between all of it—
The members kept taking pictures.
Constantly.
Of each other.
Of the scenery.
Of you.
Especially you.
“This way, sunny.”
“Wait, stay there.”
“Don’t move.”
You laughed helplessly while being shuffled around like everyone’s personal model.
At one point, Seungmin and Felix practically argued over who got better candid photos of you.
“She smiled more in mine.”
“Because she was looking at ME.”
“That’s worse.”
You wore the sundress Jeongin picked earlier during shopping, paired with soft strappy sandals and a small brown shoulder bag Felix helped choose.
The members genuinely looked proud seeing you dressed up.
“You look beautiful,” Felix told you for probably the fifth time that day.
Your ears warmed.
“You literally helped style me.”
“Exactly,” he grinned proudly.
Then suddenly—
Jeongin grabbed your wrist lightly.
“Come here.”
“Hm?”
“I want to take your picture.”
Instant anxiety immediately returned.
“Oh no…”
“You’re fine.”
“I don’t know how to pose…”
Jeongin sighed dramatically.
“You’re hopeless.”
Still, he guided you patiently toward a small bench overlooking one of the prettier streets near the coastline.
“Okay. Sit.”
You obeyed nervously.
“Cross your legs a little.”
“Like this?”
“Yeah. Hands beside you.”
You adjusted awkwardly.
“I feel weird.”
“Stop thinking so hard.”
Then softer—
“Just look at me.”
You did.
And somehow that made things easier.
Jeongin smiled encouragingly behind the camera.
“Good. Tilt your head slightly.”
You copied him carefully.
Meanwhile behind him—
Han suddenly clutched his chest dramatically before dropping to one knee. “Oh my god she’s beautiful.”
You burst out laughing immediately.
And click.
Jeongin captured the exact moment your face relaxed naturally.
Eyes crinkled.
Smile genuine.
Beautiful without trying.
Jeongin stared at the photo afterward triumphantly.
“See?”
You peeked over his shoulder.
And honestly—
You looked happy.
Really happy.
Eventually everyone gathered together for group selfies too.
Hyunjin, being tallest, naturally held the phone highest while the rest crowded around you shamelessly. Felix pressed against one side. Han leaned over your shoulder. Chan stood behind you with his chin resting lightly near the top of your head.
Your laughter filled nearly every picture because nobody could stay serious for more than two seconds.
And somehow—
Those photos became your favorite.
Messy.
Warm.
Real.
Time slipped by faster than expected.
Before anyone realized it, the sky had already begun turning gold.
The group slowly wandered toward the beach almost instinctively, following the distant sound of waves and warm evening breeze.
People filled the shoreline casually.
Families.
Couples.
Friends gathering together.
Street musicians somewhere nearby.
You stepped onto the sand slowly—
Then immediately froze.
The sunset looked unreal. Orange melted into red. Pink blended softly into purple higher across the sky. The ocean reflected everything beautifully, sparkling beneath the dying sunlight like scattered jewels across water. Your breath caught softly.
“Wow…”
Without thinking, you walked closer toward the shoreline alongside Felix, Han, and Jeongin, completely mesmerized by the colors. Behind you, Changbin watched quietly.
Not the sunset.
You.
The way your eyes reflected the light.
The way your ears twitched softly in the ocean breeze.
The way happiness softened your entire face.
You turned slightly toward him.
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
Changbin smiled faintly.
“Yeah.”
But his eyes never left you.
Seungmin eventually joined beside him too.
Then quietly—
“You’re prettier though.”
You blinked at him in surprise before smiling softly.
“Thank you.” A little new to the feelings of receiving compliments completely without second thoughts and acknowledged those compliments to your heart.
Changbin suddenly leaned closer toward your ear. Close enough his voice brushed warm against your skin.
Your fluffy tail and ears immediately stood upright in shock, almost like in alert mode.
Then without another explanation he casually patted your shoulder and walked away toward the others like nothing happened.
You remained frozen.
Face blanked.
Hyunjin immediately noticed.
“What did he say?”
Seungmin blinked.
“I didn’t hear it too.”
You covered your face instantly.
“He said 'you're sleeping with me tonight'…”
Hyunjin let out the loudest offended whine imaginable.
“THAT’S NOT FAIR.”
Meanwhile Seungmin burst into laughter.
“It’s fair to me tho.”
You blinked.
“Huh?”
He grinned smugly.
“We’re roommates.” Gesturing to himself and Changbin.
Realization hit immediately. “I get to sleep with her too LOL”.
Your face burned hot, laughing from his reply. Seungmin stepped closer before gently cupping your cheeks between both hands, squishing them until your lips puckered helplessly. “I can’t wait,” he teased softly with a smirk.
Somewhere behind you, Hyunjin sounded seconds away from filing an official complaint.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
I love your fics… especially as I write this as I shit
thank you so much! I'm glad that you love it 🫶
I just hope that all of the next chapters won't bored you guys 🙏
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 3,613
< Previous Next >
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CHAPTER 7 - Staycation
The photos were published exactly one week later.
And somehow—
Your life changed overnight. You didn’t even realize it at first. The morning started normally.
Or at least, you thought it did.
You were still buried deeply beneath blankets, curled around one of your pillows while faint dawn light filtered softly through the curtains. Your ears twitched sleepily at distant movement somewhere in the dorm, but exhaustion still kept your body heavy and warm.
Then suddenly—
Soft kisses pressed against your cheeks and forehead. One after another.
Persistent.
Needy.
Your brows furrowed groggily.
“…Mmph.”
Another kiss.
This time against the corner of your mouth.
Then up again to your forehead.
Then your nose.
“Chan…” you called out weakly, familiar with his scent.
A quiet laugh vibrated beside you.
“Wake up.”
You blinked slowly awake only to find Bang Chan hovering ridiculously close over you, caging you with his frame , eyes bright despite the early hour. “Why are you attacking me… it's too early..”
Instead of answering, Chan immediately buried his face against your neck. Warm lips pressed there softly once.
Twice.
Then lingered longer than necessary, dangerously close to your scent glands, a little sensitive over there.
Your breath caught slightly.
“Channie…”
He hummed against your skin before mumbling quietly into the crook of your neck—
“You went viral.”
You blinked.
“What?”
Chan suddenly shoved his phone directly in front of your face. The brightness nearly blinded you instantly. You squinted dramatically.
“OW—”
“Look.”
Still half asleep, you stared at the screen in confusion while your brain struggled to function.
Then slowly your eyes widened from the realization.
The photoshoot results.
Everywhere.
Articles.
Posts.
Trending tags.
Edits.
Millions of views.
Your sleepy expression vanished completely.
“What?!”
Chan laughed loudly at your sudden panic while you snatched the phone closer. The shoot had apparently exploded online overnight. And honestly the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Summer had just fully peaked.
Warm weather.
Vacation season.
Bright aesthetics flooding social media.
And somehow your photos fit perfectly into all of it. The public adored them. People reposted your pictures everywhere calling you “summer personified.” Comments flooded endlessly beneath every article.
“She looks so warm and comforting.”
“I’m obsessed with this concept.”
“Why is she genuinely prettier than most influencers.”
“SKZ's HYBRID REVEAL???”
“I need her skincare routine immediately.”
“Ragdoll hybrids are literally ethereal.”
You stared speechlessly at the screen while Chan watched your reaction with obvious amusement.
Then quietly—
“You deserve it.”
Your chest tightened softly.
The members completely lost their minds over it. Absolutely unbearable. The second you stepped into the kitchen later that morning, everyone started talking at once.
“LOOK.”
“No, this comment is my favorite.”
“Someone made an edit already.”
“STAYs are actually insane.”
Han nearly shoved his phone into your face dramatically.
“Read this one.”
You squinted.
“She looks like the physical embodiment of drinking cold water during summer.”
Silence.
Then everyone burst out laughing.
“That’s weirdly accurate,” Felix wheezed.
Meanwhile Lee Know casually scrolled through fan posts while sipping coffee.
“They’re asking for more Y/N content.”
Your ears perked instantly.
“Huh?”
Minho turned his screen toward you.
Thousands of comments flooded fan platforms.
“Please let her appear more.”
“She’s basically part of SKZ already.”
“We need TikTok Challenges immediately.”
“Let the hybrid have screen time please we beg you !.”
“Protect her at all costs.”
Even official fan accounts edited together compilations of your rare appearances with the members. Some fans literally ran entire accounts dedicated to your interactions with them. Your face burned brighter the longer you looked.
“This is embarrassing…”
“It’s cute,” Jeongin corrected immediately.
Chan grinned from across the table.
“They love you.”
And somehow hearing that still affected you deeply every single time. Because for weeks you’d convinced yourself people were slowly getting tired of you.
Too clingy.
Too emotional.
Too much.
Yet here everyone was—
Still loving you loudly.
The members made things worse by feeding fans with you all over the platforms constantly afterward.
Or better.
Depending on perspective.
Instagram, Bubble, Fans, even on TikTok, you name it.
Chan uploaded a selfie of you half-asleep beside him during breakfast.
Jeongin posted blurry candid photos of you laughing while shopping.
Han uploaded behind-the-scenes clips from the photoshoot with dramatic captions about “our summer princess.”
Hyunjin posted an artistic close-up of your ears beneath sunlight and nearly caused chaos online.
Felix posted a trending Tiktok content that he saved in his draft.
“YOU GUYS ARE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE,” you accused while hiding your face in embarrassment.
“Yes,” Seungmin answered immediately. No shame whatsoever.
And honestly watching the members proudly show you off so openly filled something fragile inside your chest. Because there had been a time recently where you felt invisible beside them. Now suddenly they looked at you like something precious again. Wanted everyone else to look too.
The day your payment finally arrived felt surreal.
You sat cross-legged on the living room floor staring blankly at your banking app while Bang Chan and Lee Know hovered nearby.
Just days earlier, both of them had helped you open your own bank account properly.
You’d felt oddly nervous about it then.
Like becoming more independent somehow made adulthood suddenly real.
But now—
Looking at the amount transferred into your account—
You genuinely thought there’d been a mistake.
“…Wait.”
You blinked repeatedly.
“…WAIT.”
Chan immediately burst out laughing.
“So cute.”
“That’s way too much money,” you whispered in horror.
Minho leaned over your shoulder calmly.
“No, that’s normal.”
“FOR ONE SHOOT?!”
Chan nearly fell sideways laughing while your ears stood fully upright in shock.
“I’m rich.”
“You are absolutely not rich yet,” Minho deadpanned.
“I’m buying everyone food.”
“Absolutely not! It’s yours, Jagi. You don’t need to spend it on us.” He told you with a small smile displayed on his face.
Still—
The excitement bubbling inside you felt impossible to hide.
This was yours. Money you earned yourself. Not something given. Not something provided. You worked for this. And the pride glowing in your chest made your eyes sting slightly.
That same afternoon, everyone lounged lazily around the dorm for once.
No schedules.
No rush.
No rehearsals.
Just peace.
You curled beside Minho on the couch while he absentmindedly stroked your hair, fingers occasionally brushing softly beneath your ears in ways that made your eyes droop contentedly.
The television played quietly in the background.
Felix lay sprawled across the floor dramatically.
Han and Jeongin argued over snacks.
Chan half-dozed against one armchair.
Everything felt warm.
Domestic.
Safe.
Until suddenly—
“We should go somewhere.”
Everyone looked toward Hyunjin immediately. “A vacation,” he clarified dramatically. Changbin perked up instantly.
“Oh.”
Felix sat upright.
“WAIT YES.” Within seconds the room erupted into overlapping conversation.
“We actually have a few free days.”
“A staycation maybe?”
“Somewhere near water.”
“Busan?”
That immediately gained everyone’s attention.
Busan sounded perfect.
Far enough to feel like escaping. Close enough to manage easily.
The sea.
Night air.
Temporary freedom before schedules consumed everyone again.
Decision made.
Immediately chaos erupted.
Phones appeared.
Properties got searched.
Arguments broke out over room arrangements before anything was even booked.
And eventually—
A staycation house in Busan was rented for all nine of you.
The excitement became contagious instantly. Everyone scattered around the dorm packing at lightning speed. Including you.
At first packing felt exciting.
Until you actually opened your wardrobe. Then your excitement faded slightly.
Because suddenly you realized something.
You didn’t really own many clothes. Not proper outing clothes anyway. Most of your wardrobe consisted of oversized hoodies or sweaters, comfortable basics, and stolen member shirts. You stared at the closet thoughtfully.
Then sighed softly.
“…Oh.” Maybe you really didn’t have much of your own.
After hesitating a moment, you padded quietly toward Hyunjin and Changbin’s shared room.
Knock knock.
“Hyunnie…”
“Come in,” Hyunjin called immediately.
You peeked your head inside carefully. Both Hyunjin and Changbin sat surrounded by half-packed clothing. Changbin smiled immediately seeing you.
“You need help?”
The way he asked sounded more like a certainty than a question. You shuffled slightly. “I don’t know what to pack…”
Hyunjin looked up instantly.
“Why?”
“I don’t think my clothes are good enough for a staycation…”
Silence.
Both men slowly turned toward each other. Then toward you. Then back toward each other again. Like they’d just silently communicated an entire conversation. Changbin immediately stood.
“Show us.”
Five minutes later both of them stood in your room staring directly into your closet with expressions of genuine concern.
Hyunjin looked personally offended. “Why do you own five identical hoodies.”
“They’re comfortable…”
Changbin pinched the bridge of his nose dramatically.
“You own almost nothing.”
“I do own things!”
“Half of these are ours,” Hyunjin corrected.
You looked away guiltily.
“…Maybe.”
Changbin sighed before pulling out comfortable basics.
“Pack these first.”
Meanwhile Hyunjin already pulled out his phone rapidly typing something. You narrowed your eyes suspiciously. “What are you doing?”
“Saving your life.”
“Huh?”
Before he could answer—
Suddenly footsteps thundered down the hallway.
Then your bedroom door burst open dramatically.
“We volunteer as tribute!”
You nearly jumped. The members piled inside loudly all talking at once.
“We’re taking you shopping.”
Your ears shot upright instantly. “What?!”
Hyunjin smiled smugly while brushing your hair softly behind your ear.
“I told them your wardrobe situation.”
“You exposed me.”
“Correct.”
Your tail swished rapidly despite your embarrassment.
“Really? Is that okay?”
Everyone answered immediately.
“YES.”
“Obviously.”
“We literally wanted an excuse anyway.”
Chan clapped his hands together.
“Okay everybody move. Mall first. Busan after.”
And just like that the entire afternoon turned chaotic.
Shopping with eight Stray Kids members was an experience you’d never emotionally recover from. Absolute chaos. Every single member had opinions. Strong opinions.
“This color suits you.”
“No it washes her out.”
“She looks cute in oversized fits.”
“She looks cute in everything.”
“Helpful, Felix.”
They took turns shoving outfits into your arms relentlessly.
Soft dresses.
Casual streetwear.
Cute skirts.
Beach outfits.
Accessories.
Even shoes.
Meanwhile you spent half the time getting shoved back into dressing rooms while everyone waited outside rating outfits aggressively whenever you emerged.
“TURN AROUND.”
“OH THAT’S CUTE.”
“No, next.”
“You look expensive.”
“What does that even mean?”
You learned surprisingly quickly what styles suited you best. Soft colors brightened your complexion. Certain cuts highlighted your shape naturally. Flowy fabrics complimented your fluffy ears and tail beautifully.
And honestly—
It was fun.
Really fun.
Especially seeing how genuinely excited the members became dressing you up.
Then eventually—
Jeongin found the dress.
A white sundress patterned with tiny blue flowers.
Softer.
Shorter.
More delicate than the photoshoot one.
The skirt layered gently while thin shoulder straps tied into tiny ribbon bows. Jeongin immediately grabbed it.
“Oh this is THE one.”
Your ears perked.
“Hm?”
He held it against you thoughtfully.
“The cream in your fur would look insane with this.”
Then he shoved it directly into your arms.
“Try it.”
You laughed.
“Right now?”
“Yes right now.”
Then mischievously he teased. “If you need help changing just call me.”
You smacked his arm immediately.
“Jeongin!”
Everyone burst out laughing while he cackled dramatically. When you finally stepped out wearing the dress—
The silence alone told you enough.
Then immediately—
“Buy it.”
“No discussion.”
“That’s yours now.”
“It reminds me of the shoot,” Felix mumbled softly.
It did.
The dress made you glow similarly.
Soft.
Warm.
Beautiful in a way that didn’t feel forced. You stared at your reflection quietly. And for once you liked what you saw.
By the time everyone returned home later, your arms overflowed with shopping bags.
New clothes.
Accessories.
Pajamas.
Swimwear.
Even bikinis you were still too embarrassed to look at properly.
Someone had also bought you a fluffy bunny plushie because “we all know how much you love soft fluffy things.” You nearly cried, overwhelmed with their kindness.
Later, after finally packing everything into your suitcase, a soft knock sounded at your door.
“Ready?”
You opened it to find Seungmin leaning casually against the frame.
Your ears perked immediately.
“Mhm!”
He smiled softly seeing your excitement.
Then without complaint, grabbed several of your bags for you.
“I’ll help.”
The living room downstairs already looked chaotic with luggage piled everywhere.
Snacks.
Drinks.
Board games.
Breakfast ingredients.
Everyone buzzed with excitement while dividing into cars. Eventually groups got decided. You ended up in Minho’s car.
Minho driving. Han in the passenger seat. And you squeezed comfortably between Chan and Jeongin in the backseat.
The roadtrip started quietly around seven that evening. The city glowed alive outside the windows while traffic slowly thinned the farther you drove. Streetlights reflected softly across the glass. Music played low through the speakers.
Jeongin eventually leaned sleepily against your shoulder.
Chan’s hand rested loosely over yours between the seats.
And as the city lights slowly faded behind you—
By the time the cars finally rolled into the driveway of the rented staycation house, the clock had already passed midnight.
Everyone looked exhausted.
But excited exhausted.
The kind where tiredness couldn’t fully settle because anticipation still buzzed too strongly beneath the skin.
The ocean air hit immediately the second everyone stepped out of the cars.
Cool.
Salty.
Fresh.
It carried the distant sound of waves crashing softly somewhere beyond the dark horizon, mixing together with the sleepy chatter of the members unloading luggage from the trunk.
“Careful with the snacks!”
“Who packed this bag so heavy?!”
“Yah, that’s mine!”
You laughed softly while pulling your hoodie tighter around yourself, your tail swaying happily behind you as you stared up at the house.
It was beautiful. And the biggest out of all the houses on that staycation private site. You could see that the other housings are occupied.
Warm lights glowed softly from inside the large windows, making the entire place feel cozy despite the darkness surrounding it. The staycation house stood tall near the shoreline, two floors with wide balconies and wooden details that made everything feel peaceful and homey rather than luxurious.
The second everyone stepped inside—
Chaos.
Immediate chaos.
Han nearly threw himself onto the couch dramatically.
Felix ran straight toward the windows to look at the ocean.
Hyunjin gasped loudly at the interior design like he’d entered heaven itself.
Meanwhile Chan immediately switched into responsible leader mode.
“Okay, everyone help unload first before dying.”
Groans filled the room.
Still, everyone obeyed.
Shoes got kicked off near the entrance while bags and groceries slowly filled the kitchen counters. You helped organize drinks into the refrigerator alongside Minho while Changbin and Seungmin carried luggage upstairs.
The house somehow looked even prettier from the inside.
There were soft warm lights everywhere, large comfortable couches, blankets folded neatly across chairs, and huge windows overlooking the dark ocean outside. The kitchen was massive, connected directly to the dining area where a long wooden table stretched beautifully beneath hanging lights.
Outside, the backyard opened toward a pool and jacuzzi area, while farther beyond sat a wooden porch facing the sea. The sound of waves carried clearly from there.
And upstairs—
A balcony.
A karaoke room.
Movie projector.
Big cozy bedrooms.
It genuinely felt unreal.
“Can we live here forever?” Felix whispered dramatically while spinning slowly in the living room.
“No,” Chan answered immediately.
Felix sighed deeply.
“Cruel.”
Eventually the rooms got divided naturally.
You ended up with your own room.
Smallest in the house.
But still warm and comfortable.
The members insisted it was important you had your own privacy.
Even though they also repeatedly reminded you—
“You can sleep in our rooms whenever you want.”
“Seriously.”
“Anytime.”
The pairings formed based on who's more comfortable with who.
Chan with Jeongin.
Minho with Han.
Changbin with Seungmin.
Hyunjin with Felix.
And honestly—
Seeing everyone naturally settle into the people they trusted most made something soft settle inside your chest. They loved each other deeply. The rooms themselves varied wildly too.
Yours had a single double bed tucked near the window, smaller than everyone else’s but cozy with soft blankets and warm lighting. No personal bathroom, but you didn’t really mind.
Hyunjin and Felix’s room looked ridiculously luxurious with a king-size bed and huge private bathroom.
Minho and Han somehow got another giant room equally beautiful.
Changbin and Seungmin’s room felt more practical and cozy, while Chan and Jeongin’s connected single beds looked comfortable enough to collapse into immediately.
By the time everyone finished showering, brushing teeth, and completing skincare routines, the house slowly quieted.
One by one the bedroom doors closed.
Soft footsteps faded.
Laughter died down.
Until eventually only the distant ocean remained.
You couldn’t sleep,not even close. You tossed gently beneath the blankets while staring at the unfamiliar ceiling above you.
Maybe it was excitement. Maybe it was because of the effect of unfamiliar place. Or maybe your heart simply felt too full lately to rest properly.
The digital clock near the bed read 3:07 AM, Thursday.
The entire house sounded asleep.
Quietly, you slipped from bed.
The wooden floors creaked softly beneath your feet as you padded downstairs wearing oversized sleep clothes and fluffy socks. Your tail swayed sleepily behind you while you wandered into the kitchen searching for milk.
Warm milk always helped.
The refrigerator light glowed softly against your face while you searched through the shelves.
Then suddenly—
“Can’t sleep?”
You startled so badly you nearly hit your head against the fridge.
“Ah!”
Soft laughter immediately followed.
You turned to find Chan standing nearby.
Still awake.
His hair messy from sleep, oversized shirt hanging loosely from his shoulders. He looked at you so softly.
“You scared me…”
“Sorry,” he chuckled quietly.
His dimples appeared immediately.
“You okay?”
You nodded slowly.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“Me too.”
Chan approached naturally beside you, gently patting your head once before reaching above you to grab a mug from the cupboard.
You blinked.
“You already know what I want?”
“I know you, baby.”
The simple answer warmed you embarrassingly fast and your heart skipped a beat from the certainty in his voice.
Chan quietly poured milk into the mug before placing it into the microwave. The kitchen fell silent afterward except for the low hum of the machine.
Comfortable silence.
The kind that only existed between people deeply familiar with each other. Your tail brushed lazily against Chan’s back while you both waited. Almost automatically, his hand found your head. His fingers stroking slowly between your fluffly ears.
Your eyes fluttered slightly at the comfort.
No words needed.
The microwave dinged quietly.
Chan tested the mug first carefully before handing it to you once it cooled enough.
“There.”
You smiled softly.
“Thank you.”
Then immediately he guided you gently toward one of the dining chairs before sitting first himself.
Pat pat.
His thigh.
Invitation understood instantly.
Your ears stood slightly while you settled carefully onto his lap sideways, sitting facing sideway naturally on his lap while holding and blowing air to the warm mug. Chan looking up at you adoringly while adjusting your position instinctively until you rested comfortably on his lap.
One arm wrapped securely around your waist. The other resting lazily across your thighs.
You sipped the milk slowly while your tail swished contentedly behind you.
Chan watched quietly.
Almost longingly.
Then suddenly—
“I missed you, baby.”
The words came low and quiet enough your chest ached instantly.
You looked at him sideway first, slowly head turning facing him with eyes filled with curiosity. Your right cat ear flicked. Chan’s eyes stayed fixed on you.
“T-that suddenly…”
He smiled faintly.
“Feels like we haven’t properly spent time together in forever.”
Something fragile tugged painfully inside your chest at that.
Because he was right. Even when things got better again lately—
There was still distance left behind from those weeks.
Moments lost.
Affections interrupted.
You hid part of your face behind the mug shyly. But your tail curled instinctively around his wrist resting against your back. Chan noticed immediately.
His smile softened.
Once you finished drinking, he carefully took the mug from your hands and placed it aside.
Then gently his hand cupped your cheek. Bringing your face down closer to his carefully. Your breath caught slightly.
Because he was close.
Very close.
Close enough to feel warmth radiating from him.
Close enough to hear his breathing.
“Can I sleep with you tonight?” he asked quietly.
Then softer—
“Please… I need you. Really need you.”
The honesty and yearning in his voice melted you instantly.
“Of course, Channie.”
His entire expression softened with relief. Brushing his thumb lightly near the corner of your mouth. “You’ve got milk here.”
Before you could react, he wiped it away gently with a teasing smile.
Your face burned immediately.
“Chan…”
He only laughed quietly.
Then without warning—
Lifted you straight into his arms.
You squeaked softly.
“Channie!”
“You’re light.”
“That’s not the point!” Still carrying you easily, Chan walked upstairs while you hid your burning face against his shoulder. The house remained quiet around you both.
Peaceful.
Safe.
Like the entire world had slowed down just for this small moment. Once inside your room, Chan immediately collapsed dramatically onto the bed while still holding you. The blankets tangled around both of you quickly as laughter escaped your lips softly.
Then slowly—
Everything settled.
Your head rested naturally against his chest. His arm tightened securely around your waist beneath the blankets. Your legs tangled together comfortably. And in the darkness, surrounded by distant ocean waves and soft breathing—
Chan whispered quietly above your head,
“Turns out I only needed you to sleep.”
Your heart squeezed painfully warm. You inhaled softly, breathing in his familiar scent.
Comforting.
Home.
“You smell nice… too nice actually.” you murmured sleepily.
Chan laughed quietly beneath you. Then his fingers brushed slowly along your back.
Gentle.
Protective.
And eventually curled safely against him while the ocean sang outside the windows—
Both of you finally drifted into sleep.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 3,856
< Previous Next >
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CHAPTER 6 - Something New
The next few days passed like it's supposed to. Not perfect. Not fully healed. But smoother.
The tension that had wrapped so tightly around your chest for weeks finally loosened little by little, enough for you to breathe without constantly feeling like something heavy sat over your ribs. The members became warmer again too, whether because they finally noticed the distance growing between all of you or because schedules lately had forced everyone together longer. Either way, the dorm slowly regained fragments of the warmth it used to hold.
And you clung to those fragments desperately.
Every morning started early, sunlight barely touching the windows before you were already awake in the kitchen, wearing one of your oversized hoodies beneath an apron. Your fluffy cream-colored tail swayed lazily behind you as you moved around preparing breakfast while soft music played from your phone speaker. Eggs sizzling quietly. Rice steaming. The comforting smell of soup filling the dorm little by little.
It became your favorite part of the day again. Because mornings felt honest, sleepy and unfiltered.
The members shuffled in one by one with messy hair and tired eyes, naturally gravitating toward you before they were even fully awake. Lee Know always entered first these days.
Somehow already carrying a warm mug for you.
“Drink this first.”
You turned from the stove with a small blink.
Warm milk. Your ears perked slightly.
“You made it for me?”
Minho only shrugged casually while leaning against the counter.
“You forget to take care of yourself when you’re busy.”
The words settled warmly in your chest.
Quiet affection. The kind Minho gave without making a scene. You accepted the mug with both hands, smiling softly.
“Thank you.” His fingers brushed briefly behind your ear as he passed you.
“You look less dead lately.”
You gasped dramatically.
“I did not look dead!”
“You absolutely did.”
And just like that, your laughter filled the kitchen again.
Soon after, the others began piling in noisily. Felix immediately attached himself to your back while you plated food, wrapping both arms around your waist and pressing his face against your shoulder.
“You’re warm.”
“Lixie, I can't move properly if you cling to me like that.”
“I don't wanna Y/n-ah...”
He mumbled through your shoulder then he kissed your cheek absentmindedly before stealing bacon directly from the pan and ran to quickly sat down.
“Yah!” you protested.
Meanwhile Bang Chan sat at the dining table already sipping coffee, eyes following you around the kitchen quietly. There was something unbearably soft about the way Chan looked at you this morning.
Gentler.
Longer.
Like a lovestruck feelings lingered somewhere beneath his eyes.
“You’re staring,” you stated boldly while setting down plates in front of him. Chan smiled immediately. “Can’t help it.”
“Ugh,” Changbin groaned from beside him. “You sound like someone’s husband.”
Chan only grinned wider. “Maybe I am.”
Your ears instantly flattened in embarrassment while everyone burst out laughing, Changbin pretended to vomit. Then Han appeared dramatically out of nowhere.
“Move.”
Han turned you around and wrapped his hand around your waist from the front, hugging tightly while you whined saying that the breakfast still need to be serve.
“My affection now.”
Changbin immediately protested. “Yah, get off!”
Han ignored him entirely, rubbing his cheek dramatically against your shoulder while pouting. “She likes me more anyway.”
“I literally cooked for all of you,” you laughed.
“Exactly,” Han answered smugly. “Proof of love.”
Changbin looked deeply offended.
And somehow, sitting there listening to everyone bicker over you again felt so painfully domestic your chest almost hurt. Breakfast became slower these days. And longer much to your liking. Nobody rushed to leave immediately anymore.
Seungmin fed you pieces of fruit while pretending he wasn’t.
Jeongin rested his head against your shoulder half-asleep.
Felix complained loudly whenever Minho got more of your attention than him.
At one point, Seungmin suddenly pulled you directly onto his lap while you were trying to clear dishes. You yelped softly in surprise. “Seungmin!”
He only tightened his arms around your waist comfortably.
“You move around too much.”
Felix nearly slammed his spoon down dramatically.
“That’s unfair.”
“She sat on your lap yesterday!”
“And?” Seungmin answered smugly. “Skill issue.”
Your laughter spilled out before you could stop it.
Real laughter.
Not forced.
Not careful.
And hearing it made several members glance toward you instinctively with lightened expressions.
Because they’d missed it too. More than they realized.
Eventually everyone scattered around the dorm preparing for schedules, leaving the kitchen messy with warmth and leftover conversation. Meanwhile you packed essentials carefully into bags while double-checking schedules mentally.
Water bottles.
Medicine.
Extra snacks.
Chargers.
Always prepared.
Always careful.
But when you reached for your tumbler—
It wasn’t there.
You paused.
Blinking slowly.
Weird.
You always carried the same tumbler everywhere. A cream-colored insulated bottle decorated with tiny cat stickers Felix once insisted on buying for you.
You checked your bag again.
Nothing.
The counter.
The sink.
Your room.
Still nothing.
Your brows furrowed deeper the longer you searched.
Because you never lost things.
Especially not daily used things.
And stranger still—
You genuinely couldn’t remember when you last used it. The memory felt blurry somehow. Like trying to grasp smoke. From the hallway Chan’s voice called out. “Baby? What’s taking so long?”
You peeked out from your room.
“I can’t find my tumbler…”
Chan immediately walked over.
“You lost it?”
“I think so…”
Your ears drooped slightly.
“That’s weird.”
Chan stepped inside your room helping you glance around briefly before sighing. “You probably misplaced it at work.”
“I don’t usually forget things…”
“You’ve been busy lately.” Chan gently squeezed your shoulder. “I’ll buy you water later, okay? We gotta go.”
You hesitated. Something about it still bothered you. But eventually you nodded. “Okay.”
The photoshoot studio buzzed with energy all afternoon.
Bright lights.
Music blasting through speakers.
Staff rushing everywhere with makeup kits and clothing racks.
The atmosphere felt exciting rather than stressful though, mostly because the members were in unusually good moods today.
And honestly—
They looked stunning.
Every single one of them.
You sat near the monitors watching the shoot while occasionally snapping photos with your phone whenever the staff got distracted.
Hyunjin looked ethereal beneath the lighting.
Changbin somehow made simple black clothing look devastating.
Felix’s freckles stood out beautifully under soft makeup.
Chan’s smile alone kept making the stylists scream dramatically.
“You guys look too good,” one staff member complained jokingly while reviewing photos.
You nodded immediately. “They really do.”
“Careful,” another stylist teased. “Y/N’s staring too hard.”
Heat instantly crawled into your face.
“Yeah I am...” Too struck with how good looking they are
“You absolutely are.”
The members overheard immediately.
Hyunjin grinned proudly. “Can you blame her?”
“You’re literally flaunting,” Minho sighed. You buried your face behind your phone while everyone laughed.
And for a little while—
Everything felt light again.
“Aren’t you guys looking good today~?”
Your head snapped toward the familiar voice instantly.
Jina.
You hadn’t even noticed her arrive. She stood near the back of the studio smiling pleasantly, coffee cup in hand. But something about her sudden appearance made unease crawl quietly down your spine. Her eyes landed on you almost immediately.
“Oh.” A pause. “You’re here too.” The emphasis on you felt strange.
Subtle.
But noticeable enough your ears twitched slightly. What does she mean by that ?
Still, you smiled politely.
“How’s work going?”
“Good, good.”
Jina approached casually, gaze flickering across you thoughtfully.
“How are you, Y/N?”
Again.
That emphasis.
Like she was testing something invisible.
You laughed awkwardly.
“I’m okay.”
“You’ve looked upset lately.”
The statement caught you off guard.
Not because it was wrong.
But because of the way she said it.
Sweet.
Concerned.
Yet somehow it still made your stomach tighten. Maybe it’s a cat instinct.
“I’m fine,” you answered carefully.
Jina’s brows lifted slightly before she smiled again.
“I’m glad everything’s working out, then.”
Something about the sentence lingered strangely in the air.
You couldn’t explain why.
But suddenly you felt cold.
Jina stood smoothly afterward.
“Well, don’t push yourself too hard.”
Then she walked directly toward the members with effortless familiarity.
Laughing naturally with Chan.
Fixing Hyunjin’s sleeve.
Showing Felix something on her phone.
You watched silently from your seat.
And once again—
That same uneasy feeling settled heavily in your chest.
Because no matter how kind she sounded…
Something always felt wrong around her. Like standing too close to a smile hiding teeth. Maybe it's the cat inside of you, having the instinct and ability to detect bad vibes from people.
“Y/N!”
You startled violently at the sudden voice.
Nearly dropping your phone.
The photoshoot director approached quickly, smiling brightly.
“You scared me…”
“Sorry,” she laughed. “I have an idea. A really great one!”
You blinked. “What idea?”
The director clasped her hands excitedly. “How would you feel about doing your own photoshoot?”
Silence.
Your brain stopped completely.
“…What?”
Several nearby staff members immediately perked up.
“Yes!”
“Oh my god, please say yes.”
“We already have makeup ideas.”
You stared at everyone blankly.
Completely flustered.
“M-Me?”
The director nodded enthusiastically. “The first time I met you, I immediately pictured a concept.”
You blinked again. Still processing nothing.
“You’d fit it perfectly.”
“No, no, I’m not model-like at all—”
“That’s exactly why I want you.”
Your ears flattened shyly.
“What does that even mean…”
The director laughed warmly.
“You have a natural face. Expressive eyes. Soft features. And your hybrid traits make everything visually stunning.” Nearby stylists nodded aggressively in agreement. “We’ve literally talked about this before.”
“You’re gorgeous.”
“You’d photograph beautifully.”
Your entire face burned hotter with every word.
“No way…”
“It doesn’t even need to be published,” the director reassured gently. “I just really want to bring this concept to life.”
You hesitated.
Nervous excitement fluttered strangely inside your chest.
A photoshoot?
You?
Before you could fully answer, suddenly—
Han appeared beside you at lightning speed.
“DO IT.”
You yelped as he grabbed both your hands dramatically before kneeling in front of you. “Please!”
“Han—”
“You’ll look gorgeous.” He looked genuinely excited now.
“Like actually insane. STAYs would lose their minds over you.”
Nearby members immediately agreed.
“Facts.”
“Absolutely.”
“You’d break the internet.”
Han tightened his grip dramatically.
“And WE would go crazy too.”
Then he hit you with the full pout.
Big bobba eyes.
Whining voice.
The devastating combination he knew you couldn’t resist.
“Pleaseeeee?”
You stared at him helplessly. Then at the excited staff surrounding you. Then at the members smiling expectantly nearby. Your heart pounded nervously. But underneath the anxiety…
There was excitement too.
A tiny spark of confidence you hadn’t felt in a very long time.
Maybe…
Maybe this could be fun.
Slowly—
You nodded.
“…Okay.”
The entire room exploded immediately.
And somewhere across the studio—
Jina watched silently. Her smile never wavering but her eyes darkened almost imperceptibly.
The preparation room buzzed with excitement the moment you stepped inside.
It felt completely different from the loud energy of the studio outside. Softer somehow. Warmer. Filled with overlapping conversations, makeup brushes clicking together, steam from curling irons, and the faint scent of perfume and hairspray lingering in the air. The second the door closed behind you, several staff members immediately surrounded you with bright smiles.
“Thank you for agreeing to this.”
“We’ve wanted to style you forever.”
“You’re literally our dream concept.”
Your ears twitched shyly beneath all the attention.
“I’m really not that special…”
A collective groan immediately filled the room.
“No.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Do not start that.”
You laughed softly despite yourself while being guided carefully toward the vanity chair.
The makeup artists adored you openly. One gently brushed your fluffy ears while cooing dramatically about how soft they were. Another lightly touched your tail with sparkling eyes.
“You’re seriously adorable.”
Your cheeks warmed instantly.
“Thank you…”
And strangely—
For the first time in a while, the attention didn’t feel heavy.
It felt nice.
Safe.
"You are beautiful, you should always embraced your beauty Y/n-ssi." Her encouragement stuck in you that day.
The stylists chatted excitedly while working around you carefully, fixing your hair into soft waves that framed your face beautifully. Makeup remained natural and light, just enough to brighten your features without hiding them. A soft pink tint dusted across your cheeks and lips, making your eyes appear warmer beneath the lighting.
Every few minutes someone would pause dramatically just to admire you.
“You have such pretty eyes.”
“Your skin is glowing today.”
“That dress is going to look insane on her.”
Your confidence slowly bloomed under all the kindness.
Not arrogance. Just pure confidence in yourself.
Like maybe you really could look beautiful too.
Eventually the dress arrived.
And when they helped you step into it—
You genuinely froze staring at yourself.
It was soft white fabric scattered with delicate pink floral patterns, the kind that looked almost painted beneath the light. Thin straps rested gently against your shoulders while a ribbon tied neatly across the chest area. The material hugged your figure just enough to flatter you naturally without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
You didn’t have the dramatic body proportions models usually did.
But somehow—
The dress made you feel pretty anyway.
Soft.
Bright.
Summery.
Like the kind of person someone would want to remember.
One stylist placed both hands dramatically over her heart.
“Oh my god.”
Another sniffled jokingly.
“She’s so cute I’m emotional.”
You burst out laughing.
When you finally stepped out into the studio—
Everything stopped.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just…
Stopped.
Conversations paused.
Cameras lowered.
Several staff members blinked slowly like they genuinely forgot what they were doing.
And the members—
The members looked stunned.
You froze immediately under the sudden silence.
“...What?”
No one answered for a moment.
Then Han whispered faintly—
“Oh, we’re doomed.”
Laughter instantly broke across the studio.
But even then, the members still stared.
Bang Chan looked completely speechless, coffee cup still halfway lifted toward his mouth.
Hyunjin pressed a hand dramatically against his chest like he’d just witnessed something life-changing.
Felix literally looked ready to cry.
And Changbin stared so openly that heat immediately rushed to your face.
One of the stylists giggled proudly behind you.
“Thank you for the reactions.”
The staff surrounding you looked incredibly satisfied, like your appearance alone validated all their hard work.
Meanwhile you could only laugh shyly while smoothing down the dress nervously.
“You’re all exaggerating…”
“We are absolutely not,” Seungmin answered immediately.
“You look insane,” Jeongin added.
Your ears flattened bashfully, giggling from the compliments.
The director clapped happily.
“Okay! Let’s shoot before they start fighting over her.”
The photoshoot theme centered around summer.
Not glamorous luxury summer.
Not dramatic beach magazine summer.
But warmth.
Sunlight.
Soft happiness.
And somehow—
You fit into it naturally.
The set had picnic blankets, flowers, fruit props, warm lighting, and soft pastel backdrops. The director guided you patiently through poses while constantly reassuring you.
“Relax your shoulders.”
“Think soft.”
“Good— yes, exactly like that.”
At first you felt awkward.
But slowly—
You began enjoying yourself.
Laughing naturally.
Holding flowers while sunlight reflected against your skin.
Playing with your own tail absentmindedly between shots.
The staff kept gasping dramatically whenever the preview images appeared on-screen.
Meanwhile the members watched from the side completely invested in every second.
“You guys are staring too hard,” one photographer teased.
“We can’t help it,” Felix complained.
Changbin didn’t even deny it.
Han took approximately eight hundred behind-the-scenes photos.
And somehow their attention didn’t make you anxious this time.
It made you glow.
After nearly an hour, the director finally smiled.
“Ten minute break.”
You immediately bowed politely.
“Thank you for your hard work!”
Then quietly slipped away toward the restroom.
The bathroom felt cool and silent compared to the busy studio.
You washed your hands slowly while staring at your reflection in the mirror.
And honestly—
You looked happy.
Really happy.
Your cheeks still carried a soft pink flush from smiling too much. Your eyes looked brighter than they had in weeks. Even your ears stood higher. A small smile spread across your lips. You actually did it.
Before you could sink too deeply into the moment, the restroom door opened.
Jina walked in.
“Oh, hey!”
You smiled politely.
“Hi.”
She approached beside you naturally, leaning against the sink facing you.
“You look beautiful today.”
Your ears twitched shyly.
“Thank you…”
Jina gently brushed a strand of hair behind your shoulder.
The gesture felt strangely intimate.
Then casually—
“Maybe hold your stomach in a little more though Y/n-ah.”
You blinked.
“What?”
She smiled lightly like she was giving harmless advice.
“Your tummy rolls are showing a little in the dress.”
And before you could process the words—
She playfully pinched lightly at your side where the fabric rested against your waist. " Look at this, so plumpy !" She giggled.
“I just don’t want anyone making fun of it later.”
Still smiling, sounding sweet, like she genuinely cared.
“Oh.. I didn’t notice.”
Jina smiled sympathetically.
“It’s not a huge deal.”
Then she tilted her head slightly.
“You’re not really model-sized after all.”
The air vanished from your lungs.
Your eyes immediately dropped toward your own body.
The dress suddenly felt tighter.
Your stomach suddenly felt bigger.
More visible.
You instinctively wrapped your arms slightly closer around yourself.
Jina continued casually.
“You’re still cute though.”
“I…” you swallowed quietly.
Jina only waved casually while walking toward one of the stalls.
“Just helping.”
The restroom suddenly felt freezing cold.
When you returned to the studio, something inside you had shifted.
Tiny.
But devastating.
Because now you couldn’t stop thinking about your body.
About how the dress hugged your waist.
About whether everyone noticed the softness there.
About whether the photos looked embarrassing.
You became hyper aware of every movement.
Every pose.
Your confidence drained away quietly.
The director noticed first.
“Relax your shoulders again.”
You tried.
But your body felt stiff now.
Awkward.
Wrong.
The members exchanged small glances from the side. Because only twenty minutes ago you’d been glowing. Now you barely looked at the camera. Finally you lowered your hands awkwardly.
“Can we… pause for a second?”
The director blinked gently.
“Of course.”
Immediately Hyunjin approached towering over you. Concern already visible across his face. “What happened?”
You hesitated.
Because saying it aloud sounded ridiculous.
Still—
Quietly, you admitted—
“I think my stomach looks weird in the dress.”
Hyunjin stared at you blankly.
“What?”
“I’m not a model,” you rambled nervously. “And maybe this concept would fit someone prettier or skinnier or—”
Suddenly—
Hyunjin kissed you.
Right on the lips. With his plump pink lips, that every Stays would die for.
Your brain completely stopped functioning.The studio exploded instantly.
“YAH!”
“That’s cheating!”
“UNFAIR!”
Minho eyes got wide.
Han collapsed dramatically onto the floor.
Meanwhile you stood frozen.
Completely stunned.
Your ears burned so hot you thought you might actually combust.
Hyunjin pulled back only slightly, hands cupping your face gently.
“Love...How can you say that,” he murmured softly, “when every single one of us has been completely obsessed with you all day?”
Your breath caught.
Hyunjin smiled faintly. “Seriously. You’ve got everyone falling in love with you all over again.” Nearby, Chan nodded immediately. “True.” Felix groaned dramatically. “She’s been attacking us since she walked out.”
Your entire face flamed deeper.
“Stop—”
“Some of them are literally malfunctioning,” Hyunjin continued teasingly.
“HYUNNIE.”
“What? I’m serious.”
Han pointed aggressively.
“I forgot how to speak earlier!”
The staff burst out laughing.
Meanwhile you buried your face in your hands.
“I’m never coming out there again…”
Hyunjin gently pulled your hands away.
“Hey.”
His voice softened instantly.
“You’re beautiful.”
Not exaggerated.
Not teasing.
Just honest.
“And you looked happiest when you stopped worrying about being perfect. You are literally an art Y/n.”
Your chest tightened painfully.
Because maybe—
Maybe that was true.
The director approached carefully afterward.
“Everything okay?”
Hyunjin explained briefly while rubbing comforting circles against your waist.
The director blinked once.
Then laughed softly.
“Oh sweetheart.”
You looked up nervously.
“This shoot isn’t about having a perfect body.”
She gestured around the set.
“It’s about summer.”
You stayed quiet.
“The warmth of it. The brightness. The happiness people remember.”
Her expression softened warmly.
“And you embody that perfectly.”
Your eyes widened slightly.
“You don’t look like a model,” she admitted gently. “You look real.”
The staff nodded in agreement immediately.
“Comforting.”
“Warm.”
“Pretty in a way people remember.”
“You feel like sunshine.”
Your breath got caught unexpectedly. Because nobody had ever described you that way before. Not beautiful because you were flawless. Beautiful because you felt warm.
The insecurity loosened slightly.
You smiled softly.
Then bowed deeply.
“I’ll do my best.”
The rest of the shoot turned out even better somehow. Once your confidence returned, everything flowed naturally again. The photos captured laughter.
Movement.
Warmth.
Life.
And when the final images were reviewed afterward—
The entire studio collectively lost their minds.
“Oh my god.”
“These are insane.”
“She looks magical.”
Even you stared speechlessly at the screen.
Because somehow—
You looked genuinely beautiful.
Not edited into perfection.
Just… beautiful.
Warm sunlight against soft smiles.
Wind catching your dress.
Your eyes glowing naturally.
Minho immediately pointed at the screen.
“I want every photo.”
Everyone laughed.
“I’m serious,” he insisted. “I’m making an album.”
Felix gasped dramatically.
“That’s actually genius.”
“I want copies too.”
“Me too.”
You laughed helplessly while fanning your burning face with your hands.
The director turned toward you with a pleased smile.
“So?”
You blinked.
“Hm?”
“How does it feel?”
You looked back at the photos slowly.
Then at the staff surrounding you.
The members smiling proudly nearby.
And quietly—
“It feels really precious.”
Your voice cracked slightly from sincerity.
“Thank you so much for letting me experience this.”
The director’s expression softened deeply.
Then carefully—
“How would you feel about publishing them yeah?”
Your eyes widened immediately.
“What?!”
Several staff members nodded excitedly.
“You’d do amazing.”
“People would adore these.”
Instinctively you looked toward the members first. Seeking permission.
Reassurance.
Every single one of them nodded aggressively.
“Yes.”
“Absolutely yes.”
“Please.”
Then you turned nervously toward the managers. One of them smiled.
“If the publisher approves it, we’re okay with it.”
The director laughed confidently.
“They’ll approve it immediately.”
Then with a grin—
“And of course you’ll be paid.”
You froze.
“…Paid?”
The thought hit unexpectedly hard.
Because you’d never really had your own income before.
You lived with the members.
Relied on them.
Everything you had came from them somehow.
But this—
This would be yours.
Your own work.
Your own achievement.
Your eyes lit up instantly.
And before anyone could stop you, you bowed deeply toward every staff member repeatedly.
“Thank you so much! You don’t understand how grateful I am!”
The room filled with laughter and applause immediately. Everyone looked happy proud.
Everyone except one person.
From the far corner of the studio, Jina sat quietly with crossed legs and a drink resting in her hand.
Watching.
Smiling faintly.
But irritation burned clearly beneath her expression now.
Because despite every attempt—
You were still shining.
Still loved.
Still impossible to push aside.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
Love the 9 lives and im honestly imagining the reader just getting sewerslide thoughts bc wtf is Jina doing that hoe bitchass and like since readee is getting blame they get depressed idk but thats how it looks since like everyone is snapping at them UGH just a thought
that is what I’m aiming for actually to build up “tension or pressure” for it to outburst in the future but I don’t want Y/n to be a weak character too, so I’m trying to build up character development flow of Y/n too :)
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Thank you all, but I'm gonna closed the taglist because I can’t tag more people, it’s full.
Word Count : 2,252
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CHAPTER 5 - Uncertainty
Peace never really lasted long. The tension returned quietly.
Subtly.
Like water slowly filling a room.
It started with small misunderstandings. Tiny things.
Barely noticeable individually.
Yet somehow every incident chipped away at you piece by piece.
Until eventually—
Even the members started looking at you differently sometimes.
Confused.
Concerned.
Wary.
It happened three days later.
You’d just finished helping fold laundry when loud voices suddenly echoed from the living room.
“What happened to this?!”
Han’s voice thundered out of his room, he rushed to the living room with heavy step. You walked out instinctively to see what had happened. Minho, Chan, Changbin and Hyunjin gathered near the couch staring at something in Han’s hands. Your stomach dropped instantly.
A sweater.
Cream-colored.
Shredded badly across one sleeve.
The fabric looked clawed apart.
Han stared at it in disbelief. “This is my favorite sweater…”
Your ears lowered immediately. You recognized it. Han lent it to you three days ago because you said it smelled so nice and comforting with his scent on it. You remembered wearing it once before tossing it into the dirty laundry bin afterward.
That was it.
Before you could even process anything—
Jina suddenly appeared from the kitchen with the rest of the Maknaes. She’s there because Felix invited her to movie night and apparently they were preparing snacks and drink.
“Oh my god, what happened?” Her eyes widened dramatically seeing the sweater. “Han, isn’t that your favorite one?” Han only can nodded sadly still staring down the sweater in his hand.
“Yeah…”
Jina moved closer sympathetically and rubbed his shoulder. “Aww…”
Then—
Her gaze shifted toward you. Sharp.
“How could you do that to him?”
The room suddenly felt very still.
You blinked with confusion.
“…What?”
“He literally lent it to you because he was being nice.”
Your heartbeat stumbled.
“No, I didn’t—”
Jina tilted her head lightly.
“Then how did it get clawed up like that?”
Everyone’s eyes slowly drifted toward your hands.
Toward your nails.
Your stomach dropped violently. How could she accused you like that.
“I—”
“Only you have claws in here, and it's pretty obvious that poor sweater got clawed up” Jina continued softly, sounding like she's concern to others but not you.
Not loud but reasonable.
Which somehow made it worse.
The room suddenly felt suffocating.
Too many eyes.
Too much silence.
Your breathing turned uneven instantly.
“It wasn’t me,” you whispered.
But it sounded weak even to yourself.
Han looked conflicted.
Not angry.
Just confused.
“I mean…” he muttered softly, “maybe just be more careful next time?” looking at me with sad boba eyes. Accusation linger in his eyes.
Next time?
Like it was already decided that the culprit is really you.
Your chest constricted painfully.
“It wasn’t me,” you repeated.
Quieter now.
Your ears flattened low.
Nobody answered immediately.
Then softly—
Felix spoke.
“Maybe we should trim your nails a little, Sunny.”
You looked up instantly wide-eyed.
Your nails.
The nails the members once adored painting for you.
Chan choosing colors carefully.
Hyunjin decorating tiny gems onto them.
Felix holding your hands gently while waiting for polish to dry.
“You have such pretty hands,” they used to tell you.
Now—
Now your claws sounded dangerous and problematic. Something needing to be fixed.
You instinctively grabbed your own hands tightly.
Protectively.
“…Okay,” you whispered automatically.
Even though deep down you already knew you wouldn’t do it.
The room slowly dispersed afterward.
Conversation moving on awkwardly.
The other returning to the kitchen to grabbed the snack they prepared earlier.
Like nothing happened. But you remained standing there feeling so small and humiliated. Trying desperately not to cry over a stupid sweater.
Eventually only one person stayed behind.
Seungmin
You didn’t notice him approaching until he stopped directly in front of you.
Quietly, gently—
He slipped one hand beneath your chin. Lifting your face carefully. Your watery eyes met his. The other hand moved to your head. Softly petting between your ears.
Comforting.
Steady.
“Y/N.”
His voice stayed calm. Gentle.
“Tell me honestly.”
A whimper escape involuntarily from you.
“Was it really you?”
The question should’ve hurt.
Instead somehow it felt like relief.
Because unlike everyone else…
Seungmin sounded like he actually wanted the answer.
Not assumptions.
Not easy conclusions.
Just the truth.
Your eyes burned fiercely.
“It wasn’t me,” you said firmly this time.
Not small.
Not weak.
Just hurt.
Frustrated.
Certain.
Seungmin held your gaze for several long seconds.
Then nodded once.
“Okay.”
That was it.
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Just—
Okay.
And somehow that tiny bit of trust nearly made you cry harder than the accusations did.
He directed you to sit on a sofa with him, and draped a blanket to you.
After the sweater incident, something inside you quietly changed.
Not all at once.
Not dramatically.
Just slowly.
Like a candle burning lower and lower every day. You became more careful around the members after that. Too careful.
You watched your claws constantly now, fingers curling into your sleeves whenever someone got close.
You stopped casually leaning on them.
Stopped climbing into laps.
Stopped touching first.
Even your tail seemed quieter lately, no longer wrapping around wrists or brushing affectionately against their legs without thought.
The members noticed eventually. Just not in the way you hoped.
“Y/N, you’re acting weird.”
You nearly dropped the water bottles you were carrying at Felix’s words.
“I’m not weird,” you answered quickly.
Too quickly.
Felix tilted his head slightly.
“You’ve been avoiding everyone.”
“I’m not.”
But even you heard the weakness in your voice.
Because you were.
Not intentionally.
You were just… scared.
Scared of bothering them.
Scared of being annoying again.
Scared of accidentally doing something wrong.
So instead, you hovered at a distance now.
Still helpful.
Still smiling.
Still trying your hardest.
Just quieter.
Smaller.
You helped staff prepare stage outfits.
You organized schedules.
You cleaned endlessly.
You offered massages whenever practices ran late.
“Do your shoulders hurt?”
“Anyone want help stretching?”
“Chan, you’ve been hunched over too long.”
Sometimes they accepted.
Mostly they smiled apologetically and declined.
“It’s okay.”
“You should rest instead.”
“Maybe later.”
Always later.
Later never came anymore.
The anxiety settled into your body quietly after that.
You stopped sleeping properly.
Dark circles formed beneath your eyes.
Your appetite disappeared little by little.
Even your ears drooped more often now.
Still—
Whenever anyone looked your way, you smiled immediately.
Bright.
Cheerful.
Easy.
Like nothing hurt at all.
One evening there was a soft knock on your bedroom door. You sat up immediately from where you’d been laying on the bed. “…Come in?”
The door creaked open carefully. I.N peeked inside. Your face brightened automatically. “Jeongin?”
He stepped in quietly.
Unlike the others lately, he looked at you carefully.
Really carefully.
“How are you?”
The question caught you off guard.
For a split second, something vulnerable almost surfaced.
But instinct kicked in first.
You smiled brightly.
“I’m good!”
Lie.
“I’m really excited about the new project too, hope Stays will like it like I do.” Another lie. Your tail swished weakly behind you trying to sell the act.
Jeongin didn’t answer immediately. Instead he sat beside you on the bed silently. The mattress dipped slightly beneath his weight. You felt oddly nervous under his gaze.
“What?”
“You look tired.”
Your smile faltered briefly.
“I’m okay.”
His brows furrowed softly.
“There are dark circles under your eyes.” He brought his hand to your cheek, brushing it with his thumb.
Your ears twitched downward automatically.
You quickly laughed it off.
“I just haven’t slept much.”
“Why?”
You froze.
Because how could you answer honestly?
Because I cry too much at night lately.
Because I overthink every interaction until morning.
Because I’m terrified you all don’t love me the same anymore.
Instead you shrugged lightly.
“Busy.”
Jeongin stared at you for a long moment.
Then suddenly—
“Massage me.”
You blinked.
“…Huh?”
His lips curved slightly. “My shoulders hurt.”
The change in your expression was immediate. Your ears perked upright instantly. Your tail swished rapidly behind you. “Really?!”
Jeongin laughed softly at your reaction. “Yeah.”
You nodded aggressively. “Mhm! Okay!”
The happiness that flooded your face made something ache strangely in Jeongin’s chest. Like he’d forgotten how desperate you’d become for tiny moments of being needed. He thought back to last few days where he noticed how antsy you looked standing near the members or in the corner for practice room.
In his and Chan's room, you sat behind him carefully while he relaxed against the edge of his bed.
“Tell me if I press too hard.”
“Okay.”
Your fingers moved gently against his shoulders.
Experienced and careful.
Years of taking care of the members made you surprisingly good at things like this. Jeongin practically melted after only a few minutes.
“Oh my god.”
You giggled softly.
“Too much pressure?”
“No,” he groaned dramatically. “This is amazing.”
Your tail puffed proudly.
“Really?”
“You’re so good at this.”
Warmth bloomed through your chest instantly.
You pressed gently against a tense spot near his shoulder blades.
Jeongin hissed quietly.
“Ow— okay, maybe not there.”
“Sorry!”
“No, no, keep going.”
Eventually his posture loosened completely.
Eyes half-lidded.
Breathing slower.
Relaxed.
“You always take care of us,” he murmured sleepily.
Your hands paused briefly.
“I like taking care of you guys.”
Jeongin smiled faintly.
“You’re too kind.”
Your heart fluttered unexpectedly. Because once upon a time, hearing things like that made you happy. Now it almost made you sad, because it reminds you how much you needed those kind words from the members. Like kindness was the only thing you were valued for anymore.
Still, you smiled anyway.
At least tonight someone needed you again.
Later, after the massage ended, Jeongin stretched lazily across the bed before glancing toward you.
“Sleep here tonight.”
Your eyes widened.
“Huh?”
He shrugged casually.
“Everything’s tense lately because of how hectic work is.”
Then quieter—
“And I really wanna cuddle you right now.”
It’s so rare to see Jeongin being so affectionate, not to you tho. He loves you so much, basically he doesn’t hold back his affection for you. You nodded quickly.
“…Okay, let me get ready for bed.”
That night felt peaceful for the first time in weeks. Jeongin wrapped around you sleepily while mumbling nonsense half-asleep. Your tail curled around his wrist.
And for several precious hours—
The loneliness eased.
After that, hope returned dangerously fast. Maybe things really could go back to normal. Maybe you just needed to try harder.
So you did.
You became brighter again.
More affectionate.
More present.
You laughed louder during schedules.
Cheered them on during rehearsals.
Brought snacks unexpectedly.
Played around more.
And slowly—
Some of the members started responding again.
Not fully.
But enough to keep your heart chasing after them desperately.
Then one afternoon, something unexpected happened.
“We’re taking you out.”
You blinked at Hyunjin in confusion.
“…What?”
“Date day,” Felix added cheerfully.
Your ears shot upright.
“With us.”
You stared blankly.
Outside?
Publicly?
That almost never happened. Not because hybrids were hated. Actually, hybrids were adored publicly. Especially idols’ hybrids. Fans even made edits, collected merchandise, and ran fanpages. Some hybrids even modeled professionally or became ambassadors themselves.
And STAYs—
STAYs loved you.
Even though you rarely appeared publicly, clips of you helping the members spread online constantly.
Fans adored your fluffy Ragdoll ears.
Your soft and cute personality.
The way the members spoiled you.
There were entire accounts dedicated to “SKZ’s hidden ninth member.”
But despite that—
The members still worried.
People online could be cruel sometimes.
Possessive.
Jealous.
And the boys hated the idea of anyone hurting you.
So public outings stayed rare.
Which made this feel even more special.
The day outside felt almost unreal.
Warm sunlight.
Crowded streets.
Hyunjin buying you expensive desserts dramatically.
Felix laughing every time your ears twitched at loud noises.
You visited clothing stores.
Small cafés.
Bookshops.
A park near the river.
And for the first time in weeks—
You genuinely laughed.
Not forced.
Not careful.
Real laughter.
At one point Felix held your hand while crossing the street absentmindedly.
At another, Hyunjin tucked a strand of hair behind your ear while complaining your style was “wasted potential.”
“You’d look pretty in softer colors.”
“I like black hoodies.”
“You dress like a tired college student.”
“You dress like a divorced art professor.”
Felix nearly choked laughing between you both.
You needed this more than you realized. Needed them. Needed proof you still belonged beside them.
At the park, children pointed excitedly at your ears. Other hybrids smiled knowingly as they passed. A tiny bunny hybrid waved shyly toward you. You waved back immediately.
Felix snapped a candid photo while laughing.
“Cute.”
“No pictures!”
“Too late.”
Hyunjin smirked.
“STAYs would explode if they saw this.”
Your tail swished shyly behind you.
And for a little while—
Everything felt warm again.
Like home.
But not everyone was happy about it.
Back at the company building, Jina watched from across the hallway as Felix showed Chan photos from the outing.
You laughing.
Hyunjin feeding you cake.
Your smiling eyes crinkled happily in sunlight.
The members looked lighter too.
More affectionate again.
Jina’s jaw tightened subtly.
Annoyance flickered sharply across her face.
Because despite everything—
You were still slipping back into their hearts.
Still loved.
Still theirs.
Her nails tapped slowly against her coffee cup.
Then—
A small smile spread across her lips.
Sharp.
Calculated.
Almost amused.
“Oh,” she murmured softly to herself.
“If that’s how it is…” Another idea already formed quietly in her mind.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages @kaylovesskz @ivrriin (Closed)
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst) (and a little fluff)
A/N : This is my first time writing. Commenting means a lot to me. Open to advice, tips and critics :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
I know it hurts, but let me build up the tension first :] Buckle Up Cuz This Roller Coaster Of Emotional Not Gonna Stop.
Word Count : 2,139
< Previous Next >
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CHAPTER 4 - Comfort
The hallway blurred slightly through your watery eyes as you walked away from the living room.
Your wrist still tingled faintly where Changbin had grabbed it.
Not painful.
Just warm.
Lingering.
Like proof that something real had happened.
You rubbed at your eyes quickly with your sleeve before anyone could see.
Stupid.
You were being stupid.
Changbin was stressed.
Everyone was stressed.
You should understand that better than anyone.
So why did it feel like your chest was caving in anyway?
The dorm suddenly felt unfamiliar tonight.
Not home.
Just walls.
Doors.
Voices behind them that no longer seemed to belong to you.
Still—
There is one more room.
Just one more try.
If this failed too, maybe then you’d finally stop bothering everyone.
Soft game sounds echoed faintly from behind the last occupied bedroom door.
Han’s voice chirped loudly through the wood.
Something about losing points.
Something dramatic and exaggerated.
Normally it would’ve made you smile.
Tonight it only made your throat ache from nervousness.
You stood there hesitating for several long seconds.
Your hand hovered near the door.
What if they were busy too?
What if you annoyed them again?
What if—
Before you could lose courage completely, you knocked softly.
A pause.
Then Han’s distracted voice floated out.
“Come innn—”
You slowly opened the door and letting your head peeked inside.
The room glowed dimly from warm bedside lighting.
Han sat cross-legged on the floor near the bed, completely invested in his mobile game with headphones crooked around his neck.
Meanwhile Lee Know leaned comfortably against the headboard scrolling through something on his tablet.
Unlike everyone else tonight—
Minho noticed you immediately.
His eyes lifted from the screen.
And softened instantly, small smile display on his lips.
“There you are, Kitten.”
Like he was waiting for you, his voice was calm.
Warm.
Like slipping beneath blankets after standing in the cold too long.
Then he patted the empty space beside him on the bed.
“Come here.”
Your chest tightened painfully at how easy the invitation sounded.
No hesitation.
No annoyance.
No confusion over why you wanted affection.
Just—
Come here.
Your tail twitched weakly behind you.
Slowly, quietly, you padded toward the bed.
Minho shifted automatically to make space for you before you even climbed up.
And the second you settled beside him—
Something inside you cracked open.
Because he smelled familiar.
Comforting.
Safe.
Laundry detergent.
Cat treats he secretly kept hidden.
The faintest trace of his shampoo.
Without really thinking, you curled into him completely hugging him to nuzzled your head on his clothes.
Your body practically folding against his side before slowly laying across his lap.
Small.
Heavy.
Exhausted.
Your head rested near his stomach while your fluffy tail curled limply around yourself.
The second Minho’s hand moved behind your ears—
You purred.
Instinctively but weak.
The sound embarrassed you normally but tonight you were too tired to care. Because he knew exactly where to pet.
Exactly the right pressure.
Exactly the right spot.
Years of taking care of cats made his touch almost unfairly comforting.
Your eyes fluttered shut immediately.
“There’s the spoiled baby,” Minho murmured softly.
Not teasing.
Fond.
He kissed lightly your fluffy ears making it twitched from the sudden touch.
Your throat tightened dangerously.
You missed this.
You missed him.
You missed being touched like you mattered.
Across the room, Han glanced over briefly from his game.
“Oh, hi Y/N.”
You lifted one weak hand in greeting.
“Hi…”
Han returned his attention to the screen almost immediately.
“What was that yelling earlier?” Han asked.
Your ears twitched slightly downward.
Right.
Changbin shouting.
The memory made shame crawl hot through your chest again.
“I accidentally bothered Changbin while he was working,” you mumbled quietly.
Han burst out laughing immediately.
“Yeah, don’t ever do that again.”
Your smile weakened automatically. “Yeah… I’m sorry.”
The apology slipped out so naturally now it barely felt voluntary anymore.
Minho’s fingers paused briefly behind your ear. His gaze dropped toward you slowly. The room stayed quiet for a second too long.
Han continued button-mashing loudly without noticing anything strange.
But Minho noticed.
Minho always noticed strange things.
Your ears remained flat.
Your body unusually still.
Even your purring sounded weaker than usually.
The edge of your eyes a little red, a sign where someone has been crying. A tear burns.
Carefully, Minho resumed petting you again.
“It’s okay,” he said softly.
The gentleness nearly hurt worse.
Because nobody had spoken gently to you all night.
You pressed your face slightly deeper against his stomach.
Minho tilted his head faintly while studying you.
“…What’s going on?”
You froze.
His voice stayed calm.
No pressure.
No judgment.
Just quiet concern.
“You’ve been weird lately, kitten...”
Your chest tightened painfully.
Because suddenly you wanted to say everything.
That you felt lonely.
That everyone felt farther away lately.
That every little rejection felt like tiny cuts piling over each other.
That you felt guilty for even hurting this much because nobody was technically doing anything wrong.
That you were scared one day they’d realize they didn’t need you anymore.
The words crowded your throat painfully.
But nothing came out.
Because how could you say something so selfish?
Instead—
The only truth your exhausted heart managed to push out was a tiny whisper.
“…I missed you.”
Minho blinked slowly.
Your voice cracked slightly on the last word.
“I missed you so much.”
Silence.
Han’s game sounds filled the room noisily in the background.
But near the bed—
Everything suddenly felt very still.
Minho looked down at you carefully now.
Really carefully.
Like he was finally seeing something he’d overlooked before.
“…What?”
You didn’t answer.
Couldn’t.
Because exhaustion hit all at once the moment someone finally let you stay close.
Your body felt unbearably heavy.
Your eyes burned.
Your thoughts tangled together uselessly.
Too many feelings.
Too much loneliness.
Too much pretending you were okay.
Minho’s hand kept stroking slowly behind your ears.
Steadily grounding you.
Your breathing gradually softened.
Then slowed.
You didn’t even realize you were falling asleep until consciousness already started slipping away.
The last thing you felt clearly was Minho adjusting slightly so your neck wouldn’t hurt.
The last thing you heard was his quiet voice.
“…Y/N?”
No response.
Just soft purring and slow breathing against his lap.
Minho stared down at you for more several moments.
Confused.
Concerned.
Because something about this didn’t feel right.
You weren’t normally this fragile.
Not this quiet.
Not this desperate for affection.
Your tail twitched faintly in your sleep, curling tighter around yourself.
Like even unconscious, you were trying to protect your own heart.
Minho frowned slightly.
Then looked toward Han.
“What happened in the studio earlier?”
Han finally paused his game enough to glance up.
“Hm?”
“With Y/N.”
Han blinked blankly.
“What about her?”
Minho’s hand continued absentmindedly petting your ears while you slept heavily against him.
“She’s upset.”
Han looked genuinely confused.
“She is?”
Minho stared at him incredulously for a second.
“You seriously don’t see it?”
Han frowned slightly now, finally taking a better look at you curled up asleep.
Messy hair.
Flattened ears even in sleep.
Faint dried tear tracks near your cheeks.
His expression shifted slightly.
“…Oh.”
But even then—
He still didn’t fully understand.
None of them did.
Because they thought this was temporary.
Just moodiness.
Jealousy.
Neediness. Not realizing your heart had been breaking quietly for weeks right in front of them.
Warmth.
That was the first thing you noticed.
Warm arms around your waist. A soft blanket pulled up to your shoulders. Gentle fingers absentmindedly combing through your hair.
For a few blissfully disoriented seconds, you thought maybe everything had gone back to normal.
Then someone shook you lightly.
“Hey Beautiful~.”
A familiar voice chirped near your ear.
“Wake uppp.”
You blinked slowly awake.
Your vision blurred before finally focusing on Han grinning down at you brightly.
And only then did you realize—
You weren’t lying on Minho anymore.
At some point during the night, Han had apparently moved beside you and pulled you against his chest in his sleep.
Your head rested beneath his chin while one of his arms stayed loosely wrapped around your waist. The position felt strangely intimate.
Han’s eyes crinkled when he noticed your confused expression.
“You sleep like a literal cat.”
Your ears twitched weakly.
“…Sorry.”
Han immediately pinched your cheek.
“There it is again.”
“Hm?”
“That apologizing thing.” He squished your cheeks lightly. “You’ve been saying sorry way too much lately.”
Your chest tightened faintly.
You tried to smile anyway.
Han thankfully didn’t push further.
Instead he adjusted the blanket around you dramatically.
“Minho hyung already woke up early and started breakfast, so you don’t have to worry about kitchen duty today.”
Your eyes widened instantly.
“Oh no—”
“And,” Han continued over you, grinning, “if you wanna sleep more, I can cuddle you back to sleep because you looked ridiculously cute earlier.”
The image alone made heat crawl up your neck.
“Oh stop it...”
Han stared at you blankly.
Then burst out laughing.
“You literally purred in your sleep.”
Your ears flattened in embarrassment immediately.
“I did not.”
“You did,” he said smugly. “Minho hyung heard it too. I have videos for proof”
Mortification flooded through you. You quickly untangled yourself from the blankets and sat up. Han sat up too.
“No, it’s okay,” you mumbled. “I’ll help Minho.”
Han caught your cheeks again before you could escape.
“You are too sweet, seriously.”
He squished your face affectionately.
“Our little kitten works too hard.”
The words warmed your chest painfully.
Because this—
This felt like before. Before things got strange. Before every interaction made you overthink yourself sick.
You leaned unconsciously into his touch for half a second too long before pulling away.
“I’ll go now.”
Han watched you quietly as you stood.
Something thoughtful flickered briefly behind his eyes.
Like he noticed how desperate you seemed for even tiny scraps of affection lately. But before he could say anything, you were already padding out into the hallway.
The dorm smelled like breakfast.
Warm rice.
Eggs.
Coffee.
The sound of quiet morning chatter drifted from the kitchen.
For a moment, your chest eased.
Maybe things really were getting better.
Maybe last night was just stress.
Maybe you were overthinking everything.
When you stepped into the kitchen, several members already sat around the dining table.
Felix leaned sleepily against the counter drinking juice.
Seungmin scrolled through his phone.
I.N complained dramatically about being awake.
And in the middle of it all—
Lee Know stood cooking quietly.
Domestic.
Your heart softened immediately making you sighed a little relieve.
But then you noticed one person missing.
Changbin.
Your stomach twisted slightly.
Last night replayed again in your mind.
His frustration.
His gaze.
The way shame still lingered heavy in your chest.
You turned instinctively toward the hallway.
Maybe you should apologize again properly—
THUMP.
You walked directly into someone’s chest.
Strong hands immediately grabbed your shoulders to steady you.
“Woah.”
You blinked upward.
Changbin stared down at you with wide eyes.
“You okay?”
Your ears twitched.
“…Mhm.”
For a brief second neither of you moved.
Then suddenly—
Changbin pulled you into him.
Tight.
Warm.
Immediate.
Your breath caught.
One of his hands cradled the back of your head gently while the other settled against the small of your back.
Pressing you against him completely.
His face buried briefly into your shoulder.
And quietly—
“I’m sorry.”
The kitchen stilled slightly.
You froze.
Changbin’s grip tightened.
“I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”
Your heart squeezed painfully.
“I didn’t mean it that way,” he continued softly. “I was stressed about the project and took it out on you.”
His voice sounded genuinely guilty.
“I know.”
“No,” he murmured. “You came because you needed comfort and I pushed you away.”
The members nearby glanced over quietly but didn’t interrupt.
Changbin pulled back just enough to look at you properly.
“You know I’d give you all the cuddles you want, right?”
The tenderness in his voice nuzzled nicely in your ears down to your heart. Because this was the Changbin you knew.
Soft.
Protective.
Affectionate.
Your eyes stung slightly.
Still, instinctively—
You apologized again.
“I’m sorry for bothering you.”
Changbin’s expression fell immediately.
“Y/N.”
“You were busy.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
You looked down quietly.
“But it does.”
Changbin sighed heavily before hugging you once more.
Softer this time.
“You shouldn’t have to beg us for attention.”
The words lodged painfully in your chest.
Because lately…
That’s exactly what it felt like you were doing.
Still, you forced a small smile and patted his back gently.
“It’s alright now.”
You pulled away slowly.
“Let’s just eat, Bin.”
Changbin studied your face for a long moment.
Like he knew something still wasn’t right.
But eventually he nodded.
“Okay.”
And for a little while— Things almost felt normal again.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot @cherrybb-ily @dina-10s-blog @starrynightviper @dino-in-gotham @quaxing-lour @kuroakikitsune @jeonginsfavglazer @loveforlee444 @vicksicky @dustyinkpages
9 LIVES BUT ONE HOME
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing. Commenting means a lot to me. Open to advices, tips and critics :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Thank you all for the comments, likes, and reblogs. Prepare for the Emotional Roller Coaster. Because the Ups and Downs make it fun and your heart pounding.
Word Count : 1,476
< Previous Next >
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CHAPTER 3 - Pleading
The hallway suddenly felt too long after leaving Felix’s room.
Too quiet.
Too cold.
You stood there for several seconds staring at the closed door you, listening to their laughter muffled through the wood.
They’d already moved on.
Another round started.
Another burst of yelling.
Another joke.
And not once did anyone notice you were gone.
Your tail hung limply behind you as you slowly turned away.
It’s okay.
They’re just busy.
Don’t be dramatic.
Don’t be greedy.
The thoughts repeated in your head like a punishment.
You tried to believe them.
You really did.
Calming yourself down, you took a several deep breaths, drying the small tears away.
Your feet dragged you, warm light spilled from the living room ahead.
You could hear soft music playing from someone’s laptop speakers along with the quiet clicking of keyboard keys. Soft humming and pencil scratching the paper, could be heard faintly too.
Maybe here.
Maybe someone here would still want you close.
Even just for a little while.
You carefully padded into the room.
Bang Chan and Changbin sat cross-legged on the floor, facing each other only to be separated by the wide wood coffee table surrounded by lyric sheets, cables, empty coffee cups, and open laptops.
Meanwhile Hyunjin lounged across the couch, phone held above his face while scrolling lazily.
The room smelled faintly like coffee and fabric softener.
Usually comforting.
Tonight it only made your chest ache.
You stood awkwardly near the entrance.
“…Hi.”
Three heads lifted briefly.
“Oh, hey.”
Chan smiled distractedly before looking back down at the laptop.
Hyunjin hummed a casual greeting still looking at his phone.
Changbin only raised a hand absentmindedly without looking up.
It wasn’t cold.
It wasn’t mean.
Just…
Distant.
Like talking to someone passing by.
Your ears twitched uncertainly.
Still, you walked further inside.
“Can I…” your voice came out smaller than intended, “can I have cuddles?”
Silence lingered for half a second.
Then Hyunjin answered first.
“Sorry, love.”
His eyes stayed on his phone.
“Not in the mood right now.”
You loved it when Hyunjin called you that.
You swallowed quietly.
“Oh… okay.”
Usually Hyunjin adored cuddling.
He called you his “living plushie.”
He’d pull you into his lap during movies.
Rest his face against your fluffy ears.
Wrap your tail around his wrist absentmindedly while scrolling through social media.
Now he barely glanced at you.
You tried again softly.
“What are you busy with?”
No answer.
At first you thought he hadn’t heard you.
So carefully, you came closer, sat down on the floor beside his head.
Close enough for your shoulder to brush his arm.
Your tail curled into a question mark while you leaned slightly to peek at his phone screen.
Hyunjin giggled softly.
Just amused.
“You wouldn’t understand anyway.”
Before you could respond, he ruffled your hair lightly.
The familiar touch nearly made you melt from relief.
But then—
“I want to understand,” you replied quickly.
The desperation in your own voice embarrassed you instantly.
“I-I mean… you can explain it to me.”
Hyunjin smiled absently at the screen again.
“A hybrid like you shouldn’t worry about this stuff.”
Your stomach dropped.
A hybrid like you.
A hybrid.
Your ears lowered slightly.
“Oh…”
“It’s just fashion stuff,” he continued casually. “I’m trying to pick something out for Jina.”
Jina.
Of course.
“She likes this style.”
He showed you several photos briefly.
Expensive coats.
Accessories.
Jewelry.
You stared blankly even though you genuinely tried to focus.
Mostly because you were still stuck on the phrase a hybrid like you.
Once upon a time Hyunjin spent hours explaining art and fashion to you because he loved your reactions.
He said you noticed emotions in things other people overlooked.
Now suddenly you “wouldn’t understand.”
“Oh,” you repeated weakly.
"And you, Love, need to improve how you style." He teased you lightly.
You gasped, trying to play along with his teasing poorly.
Hyunjin chuckled and finally sat up from the couch with a stretch.
“I’m heading to bed.”
Then he smiled lightly.
“Goodnight, love.”
Before you could even answer, he disappeared down the hallway.
Leaving behind the faint scent of his perfume and a hollow ache in your chest.
The living room suddenly felt much bigger.
Much emptier just from one person leaving.
You sat there awkwardly for several moments before slowly crawled approaching Chan and Changbin on the coffee table.
They remained focused on their work.
Typing.
Crossing things out.
Discussing beats quietly.
Normally they’d immediately pull you between them somehow.
Chan would pat the space beside him.
Changbin would grab your wrist and drag you closer dramatically.
Not tonight.
Still…
You tried.
“…Can one of you pet me?”
Chan blinked up finally.
“What?”
You shuffled nervously closer to him.
“Or cuddle…”
His brows furrowed in confusion.
“What’s with you tonight? It's not usual you crave this much affection, Baby”. You could hear a little worry in his voice.
The question made heat crawl across your face immediately.
Because suddenly you sounded pathetic and embarrassing even to yourself.
“I just…”
Lonely.
Sad.
Scared.
“...I dunno.”
Chan sighed softly, exhaustion heavy in his expression.
“Sorry Baby, but we’re working.”
“I know.”
You quickly scooted beside him anyway.
Close enough that your knees touched.
Then carefully—
You took his free hand that is beside you.
Warm and familiar.
Your chest tightened painfully at the feeling alone.
Slowly, gently, you guided his hand toward your cheek.
Instinctively rubbing against his palm.
A silent plea.
Please love me.
Please notice me.
Please.
For one tiny second Chan froze.
Then suddenly—
He tugged his hand away.
Not violently.
Not harshly.
Just lightly.
Like he genuinely needed it back.
“Sorry,” he muttered distractedly. “I need to finish this project.”
Your hand remained suspended awkwardly in the air.
Empty.
“Oh…”
Chan already turned back toward the laptop.
The rejection wasn’t even important enough to linger in his mind.
Meanwhile your chest felt like it physically hurt.
Still—
Changbin.
Changbin always gave the best cuddles.
Surely Changbin wouldn’t mind.
You turned toward him slowly.
“…Binnie?”
No response.
He continued scribbling aggressively across papers.
You poked his arm gently.
“Can I cuddle you while you work?”
Nothing.
Maybe he didn’t hear.
So you poked him again lightly.
“Binnie?”
Still no answer.
You tried one last time.
Soft.
Careful.
Almost pleading.
“Please?”
Suddenly—
“Yah!”
You flinched from the sudden outburst.
Changbin whipped around sharply, frustration exploding across his face.
“Stop bothering me, I’m busy!”
The room fell silent instantly.
Even Chan looked up.
Your ears flattened completely against your head.
Your tail instinctively curled tightly around your waist.
“Oh…”
Your voice barely existed.
But confusion hurt almost as much as fear.
Because usually—
Usually Changbin loved when you clung to him.
Even during work.
Especially during work.
You’d curl beside him while he produced music and he’d absentmindedly pet your tail.
Sometimes he’d rest his head against yours during breaks.
Sometimes he literally dragged you into his lap complaining you weren’t affectionate enough.
So you tried again quietly.
“…But you usually don’t mind…”
“I said I’m busy.”
Sharper now.
Lower.
Controlled anger.
You stared at him helplessly.
Not understanding.
Not keeping up.
Your voice became tiny.
“I can be quiet—”
Before you finished, Changbin suddenly grabbed your wrist that’s trying to reach him out.
Firm.
Not enough to hurt.
But enough to shock you silent instantly.
He looked directly into your eyes.
And somehow that hurt worst of all.
Because there was irritation there.
Real irritation.
It made you looked down to avoid his intimidated stare.
“Y/N,” he said tightly, “stop. I’m working. You need to understand that.”
Your breath caught painfully.
Understand.
Right.
You always had to understand.
Understand schedules.
Understand exhaustion.
Understand stress.
Understand being busy.
Understand being replaced little by little because everyone else had lives outside of you.
You always understood.
So why did it still hurt this much?
“Bin.”
Chan’s warning cut softly through the room.
Changbin immediately loosened his grip.
Like realization hit him too late.
He let go quickly.
Your wrist fell back limply into your lap.
The silence afterward felt unbearable.
Heavy.
Humiliating.
You stared down at the floor unable to lift your head.
Shame burned hot behind your eyes.
You made him angry.
You annoyed them again.
You were too clingy.
Too needy.
Too emotional.
“I’m sorry,” you whispered immediately.
Then again.
And again.
“I’m sorry… sorry…”
You stood quickly and bowed deeply.
Your fluffy ears lowered so far they nearly disappeared into your hair.
Chan’s expression softened instantly with guilt.
“Baby, wait—”
“I’m sorry for bothering you.”
Changbin looked exhausted more than angry now. His hand came to his eyes to cover it, head hung a little low.
Like he regretted snapping but didn’t know how to handle it. The silence was too heavy.
Still—
Neither of them stopped you when you slowly backed away.
Neither of them reached for you.
Neither of them noticed the tears finally slipping silently down your face until after you’d already turned away.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 @luxylucylou @sugarcoathan @mdanon027 @maxineswritingcorner @stargirllt @juju-227592 @bethan @calmingtealwavesreading @tabbycoffeecat @lalipop143 @sparklybunnygirl @fan-of-a-lot-things @written-by-music @ellyanarose @minlighted @xxeiraxx @sage-burrow @altheanightingale @ellalovesskz @hay-123 @rintheemolion @stronglychanbiased @chaimaarouaine11 @skzstannie @skzcodered @morenitakarina @canthavetoomuchchaos @lamentingweaver @cutieskz @escapism27 @idiotmaterial @httpsxnox @hannieslovebot (red = can't be tag)
9 Lives But One Home
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 1,610
< Previous Next >
————————————————————————
CHAPTER 2 - Desperation
The changes became impossible to ignore after that.
Not because they were cruel.
But because they weren’t.
That was the worst part.
Nobody yelled at you.
Nobody told you to leave.
Nobody stopped loving you completely.
They just… slowly stopped needing you the same way.
And every tiny moment stacked on top of another until your chest constantly felt too tight to breathe properly.
It started with forgotten routines.
“Y/N, can you help me pick an outfit later?”
“Of course.”
But later never came because Hyunjin ended up shopping online with Jina instead.
“Y/N, let’s eat together after practice.”
But Changbin got dragged out by staff and Jina tagged along while you ate cold and soggy ramen alone in the dorm kitchen at midnight.
“Y/N, wait for me after recording.”
But Han forgot entirely.
You waited nearly two hours in the hallway outside the studio before a manager gently told you they’d all gone out for drinks already.
You stood there silently while your tail slowly drooped lower and lower behind you.
“Oh,” was all you whispered.
The manager looked awkward.
“…They probably assumed you already went home.”
You smiled automatically.
“Mhm.”
You always smiled automatically now. You came home alone that day.
You tried harder after that.
Much harder.
If you became more useful, maybe things would go back to normal.
You woke up earlier.
Cleaned more.
Cooked more carefully.
Memorized everyone’s schedules even more obsessively.
You packed vitamins into their bags.
Prepared warm towels after practices.
Stayed awake during late-night productions just in case anyone needed something.
You became quieter too.
Less clingy.
Less emotional.
Less greedy.
At least that’s what you told yourself.
Because maybe this was your fault.
Maybe you had relied on them too much emotionally.
Maybe they felt suffocated.
The thought alone made you sick with shame.
The studio became the place you hated most.
It used to feel warm there.
Crowded and messy and alive.
Chan producing while humming quietly under his breath.
Han rambling nonsense between lyric ideas.
Changbin aggressively scribbling notes while arguing about beats.
And you—
Curled somewhere nearby.
Listening.
Existing with them.
Sometimes Chan would absentmindedly pet your ears while working. Sometimes Han rested his legs over yours. Sometimes Changbin shoved snacks into your hands without looking up.
You used to belong there.
Now you just felt in the way.
Tonight was especially bad.
The studio lights burned too bright.
Too loud.
Too crowded.
Several staff members moved around discussing schedules while music played repeatedly through the speakers.
Jina stood beside Chan’s chair holding coffee.
Han laughed loudly at something she said.
Changbin leaned over her shoulder showing her lyrics.
And you sat curled at the far end of the couch. Looking at their backs.
Silent.
Small.
Your knees hugged tightly to your chest while your fluffy tail wrapped around your legs protectively. Lips unconsciously pursed into a pout.
Your ears stayed flattened low against your head.
You tried not to listen.
But hybrid hearing was cruel.
Every laugh sounded sharper.
Every happy interaction stabbed deeper.
“Wait, no, listen to this line—”
Han burst into another fit of laughter.
Chan smiled so wide his dimples showed.
Jina lightly smacked Changbin’s arm while teasing him.
The room felt full.
Yet somehow you’d never felt lonelier.
You tucked your face deeper against your knees.
If you made yourself smaller maybe the ache would shrink too.
It didn’t.
“Y/N?”
A soft voice startled you.
One of the female staff crouched beside the couch.
Older than you.
Gentle-eyed.
Concerned.
“You okay?”
You lifted your head slowly.
“Oh… yeah.”
Lie.
Your voice sounded tiny even to yourself.
Her expression softened immediately.
Poor thing, it practically said.
Carefully, she sat beside you and began petting your hair softly.
Then your ears.
Your body nearly melted from the affection alone.
Because lately—
Nobody touched you first anymore.
“You look exhausted,” she murmured quietly.
“I’m okay.”
Another lie.
Her fingers stroked gently through the fluffy fur near your ears.
You glanced up instinctively.
Toward Chan.
Toward your Channie.
He was smiling brightly at something Jina showed him on her phone.
Han talked over everyone excitedly.
Changbin tapped rhythms against the desk.
None of them looked your way.
Not once.
A heavy sigh escaped before you could stop it.
The staff member noticed.
Her hand paused briefly.
“…Did something happen?”
You panicked instantly.
“No!”
Too loud.
Too fast.
Several people glanced over.
You shrank immediately.
“S-sorry…”
Chan looked over finally.
Concern flickered briefly across his face.
“You alright, baby?”
Baby.
The nickname nearly made you cry.
You nodded quickly.
“Mhm.”
Chan smiled absentmindedly before turning back toward the conversation.
And somehow that hurt more than if he’d ignored you entirely.
Because it proved he still cared.
Just not enough to notice.
The night dragged endlessly.
You sat there listening to them laugh together while exhaustion pooled heavy inside your chest.
At some point Han moved beside Jina to show her lyrics.
Changbin asked her opinion on melodies.
Chan told her stories about trainee days.
You used to know all those stories.
Now you heard them from a distance like an outsider.
Like a guest overhearing strangers.
The female staff beside you kept gently petting your ears occasionally.
Maybe she realized you needed it.
Maybe everyone else was too distracted to notice.
At one point your eyes accidentally met hers.
Sympathy.
That’s what you saw.
And somehow that was humiliating too.
By the time everyone returned to the dorm, your chest felt unbearably heavy.
The members scattered quickly.
Some showered.
Some grabbed food.
Some disappeared into rooms.
Laughter echoed faintly through the hallways.
And suddenly—
You didn’t want to be alone.
Not tonight.
You just needed someone.
Anyone.
Just for a little while.
The first room you approached belonged to Felix and Seungmin, but apparently Jeongin was inside too because you could smell his scent inside the room.
Light spilled beneath the door.
You could hear loud game noises and shouting.
Your tail swayed nervously behind you while you knocked softly.
“Come in!”
Jeongin’s voice.
You opened the door carefully.
The room immediately glowed warm and lively.
All three sat crowded together on the bed holding their phones horizontally while yelling at each other over the game.
Felix looked up first.
“Oh! Hi, angel.”
Your heart warmed weakly.
“Hi…”
Seungmin didn’t even glance away from his screen.
“Hurry, hurry, HEAL ME—”
“I AM HEALING YOU!”
“You suck at healing!”
“I literally carried last round!”
Jeongin burst out laughing.
You stood awkwardly near the doorway clutching your sleeves.
“…Can I play too?”
Nobody answered immediately.
Too focused.
Then Felix blinked.
“Oh… uh…”
Before he could continue, Seungmin spoke.
“The lobby’s full.”
Your ears twitched lower.
“Oh.”
Jeongin added casually, eyes still glued to his screen—
“Jina-noona’s playing with us.”
Right.
Of course.
You forced a smile.
“That’s okay.”
You’d actually spent weeks practicing this game secretly because they always talked about it.
You wanted to surprise them someday.
Maybe make them proud.
Maybe finally join in properly instead of just watching.
Instead Seungmin snorted lightly.
“Besides, you’re kinda bad at this game.”
The words hit harder than they should’ve.
Because he said them jokingly.
Carelessly.
Without meaning harm.
But all you could think about were the countless nights you stayed awake learning maps and controls because you wanted to spend more time with them.
Your smile became thinner.
“…I’m practicing.”
“Hm?” Seungmin barely listened.
“Nah, you’d just ruin our rank.”
Felix laughed playfully.
Not rudely.
Just automatically following the mood.
Still—
Something wilted painfully inside your chest.
“...Oh.”
Your fingers tightened around your sleeves.
Silence stretched awkwardly around you while game sounds filled the room again.
Then quietly, carefully—
“…Can I just watch?”
No response.
Han’s voice suddenly blasted through someone’s microphone speaker.
Everyone started shouting again.
You stood there uncertainly for several seconds.
Like furniture.
Like background noise.
Slowly, you approached the bed anyway.
Maybe if you sat quietly—
Jeongin suddenly nudged you away lightly with his shoulder.
“Ah, don’t block the screen.”
You stumbled back instantly.
“S-sorry.”
Your ears flattened harder.
You moved toward Seungmin instead.
Carefully.
Tentatively.
Like approaching something fragile.
You leaned your head lightly against his shoulder while trying to watch the game screen.
Usually he’d complain dramatically but still let you stay.
Usually.
Tonight he shrugged you off immediately.
“Yah, stop bothering us.”
Not harsh.
Not angry.
Just irritated.
Distracted.
Like you were interrupting something more important.
Your chest tightened so sharply it almost hurt to breathe.
Still—
Still you tried again.
Because you missed them.
Because you felt so unbearably lonely.
Because maybe if someone just looked at you properly for one second, the ache would stop.
You walked behind Felix slowly.
Your footsteps barely made noise.
Carefully, hesitantly, you leaned forward until your cheek rested lightly against his back.
Soft.
Warm.
Familiar.
A tiny silent plea for affection.
For comfort.
For home.
Felix stiffened slightly.
Then sighed.
“Angel…”
His voice sounded tired.
“Maybe go bother the others for a bit, yeah?”
The words shattered something quietly inside you.
Because bother.
Not stay.
Not cuddle.
Not sit with us.
Bother. Am I… really a bother?
Your ears flattened completely.
“…Okay.”
You stepped back immediately.
Nobody noticed your watery eyes.
Nobody looked away from their screens.
Nobody noticed the way your tail stopped moving entirely.
You reached the door slowly.
One hand lingering against the frame.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Please call me back.
Please.
Please just say my name.
But behind you—
Only game noises.
Laughter.
Shouting.
Life continuing easily without you in it.
Your fingers trembled slightly before you quietly closed the door behind yourself.
And the soft click sounded strangely final in the empty hallway.
Taglist : @ihrtlix @chasinghxran @amenabiii @maddy24207 @matchacha65 (red = can't be tag)
9 Lives But One Home
STRAY KIDS HYBRIDS AU : OT8 STRAYKIDS X HYBRID RAGDOLL CAT FEM READER
Summary : Hybrids is well known to public, and in the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Stray Kids have one, a pure ragdoll cat hybrid. Not as a pet, but more like a family, A Pack for her.
Pairing : Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader
Tags : Angst ( I love angst), and fluff
A/N : This is my first time writing, so advice, tips and critics are helpful :). English isn't my first language so I used tools to help me write.
Word Count : 1,654
Next >
————————————————————————————
CHAPTER 1 - Suddenly
The first time the boys brought you home, you were barely seventeen.
Small. Quiet. All wide eyes and trembling hands, fluffy cream-colored ears pressed flat against your head while your tail wrapped around your waist like it could protect you from the world.
A pure Ragdoll hybrid.
Rare.
Too rare.
In the entertainment industry, idols owning hybrids wasn’t unusual. Some groups had wolf hybrids acting as security, fox hybrids for variety appearances, bunny hybrids for fan engagement. Companies loved the image. Fans adored it even more.
But Stray Kids—
They spoiled theirs.
“Don’t sit so stiff,” Bang Chan had told you softly that first night, crouching in front of you with warm eyes. “You’re not property here.”
You remembered staring at him in disbelief.
Because everyone said that.
No one meant it.
But somehow… they did. And that became your downfall.
Years later, the dorm felt more like home than anywhere else ever had.
You woke up before everyone else every morning.
It became routine.
You’d shuffle into the kitchen with sleepy ears drooping, oversized hoodie hanging off your shoulders while coffee brewed softly in the background. Your tail swayed lazily behind you as you prepared breakfast exactly how each member liked it.
Lee Know liked his eggs slightly runny.
Changbin wanted extra meat portions.
Hyunjin preferred fruit prepared neatly because he claimed uneven slices “felt emotionally upsetting.”
Han forgot to eat half the time unless you physically handed him food.
Felix always hugged you from behind while you cooked.
Every single morning.
Without fail.
And Seungmin always complained your attention span became “dangerously cat-like” before morning tea.
“You almost poured orange juice into the rice cooker yesterday.”
“I was tired.”
“You hissed at me.”
“You scared me!”
“You’re literally the one with night vision.”
From the couch, I.N would laugh so hard he’d nearly choke.
The dorm was loud. Warm. Alive. And you lived for it.
You weren’t just their hybrid.
You were woven into every part of their lives.
Schedules.
Practices.
Award shows.
Late-night recordings.
Concert prep.
Managers trusted you because you remembered everything.
Stylists adored you because you fixed emergencies before they escalated.
Staff relied on you because you were dependable.
And the boys—
The boys leaned on you constantly.
“Y/N, where’s my charger?”
“Y/N, did you see my hoodie?”
“Y/N, remind me to call mom later.”
“Y/N, can you stay in the studio a little longer?”
Sometimes you wondered if they realized how much of yourself existed in the spaces between them.
Like thread stitched quietly into fabric.
Invisible.
Necessary.
“You spoil them too much.”
You looked up from folding laundry.
Their manager laughed from the doorway.
“They’re grown men, you know.”
Your ears twitched sheepishly.
“I know…”
“Do you?”
He gestured toward the living room.
There was complete chaos.
Chan and Changbin arguing over lyrics.
Hyunjin sprawled dramatically across the floor.
Han asleep sitting upright.
Felix stealing fries from Seungmin.
Lee Know threatening violence over said fries.
And somehow, impossibly—
Your chest filled with warmth.
“I like taking care of them.”
The manager stared at you for a second.
Then sighed fondly.
“Yeah,” he muttered. “That’s the problem.”
You didn’t understand what he meant.
Not then.
Her name was Yoo Jina.
At first, she was just another new staff member.
Pretty.
Smart.
Easygoing.
She had long dark hair, soft smiles, and a laugh that came easily at all the right moments.
The company introduced her casually.
“She’ll be helping coordinate schedules and media activities.”
That was all.
Nothing important.
Nothing threatening.
You even bowed politely the first time you met her.
And she smiled sweetly.
“Ah, so you’re the famous Y/N everyone talks about.”
Your ears warmed instantly.
“I-I’m not famous…”
“But everyone depends on you.”
Something about her smile lingered strangely.
Like silk hiding a blade.
At first, the changes were tiny.
Microscopic.
Impossible to explain.
“Chan, your coffee.”
You held out the cup automatically—
Only for Jina to step in first.
“I already made one for him.”
Chan blinked.
“Oh— thanks.”
You froze.
Your hands slowly lowered.
The coffee suddenly felt stupidly hot against your fingers.
“Sorry,” Jina said lightly. “I got here early.”
You forced a smile.
“No, it’s okay.”
And it was okay.
It should’ve been okay.
So why did your chest hurt?
Then—
“Y/N, you don’t have to carry all those bags.”
Felix gently took concert supplies from your arms.
Before you could answer, Jina laughed.
“She seriously babies you guys too much.”
The members laughed too.
Not cruelly.
Not maliciously.
Just naturally.
But then Jina added—
“No wonder they can’t survive alone.”
More laughter.
You smiled because everyone else did.
But something small twisted inside you.
Because once upon a time, they used to say things like that affectionately.
Now it sounded embarrassing.
Childish.
Like maybe you were becoming too much.
You started noticing things.
Jina sitting between members during meals.
Jina already knowing inside jokes.
Jina bringing Chan coffee.
Jina helping Hyunjin fix his accessories.
Jina laughing with Han late at night in the studio.
Jina resting comfortably on the dorm couch like she belonged there.
And the boys welcomed it naturally.
Why wouldn’t they?
She was funny.
Helpful.
Pretty.
Human.
Normal.
Not a hybrid constantly following them around with needy affection hidden behind quiet obedience.
The thought made you sick with guilt immediately.
Because they had done everything for you.
Given you a home.
Loved you.
Protected you.
So why were you feeling jealous?
Why did it ache every time someone else occupied the spaces beside them?
You hated yourself for it.
One night, you sat alone in the kitchen cutting fruit after practice.
Your ears drooped low with exhaustion.
The dorm lights were dim.
From the living room came loud laughter.
You glanced over instinctively.
Jina sat between Changbin and Felix on the couch, laughing so hard she nearly leaned against Felix’s shoulder.
And Felix—
Felix smiled at her the same soft way he smiled at everyone he cared about.
Your grip tightened around the knife accidentally.
A sharp sting.
You flinched.
A thin line of red bloomed across your finger.
“Oh—”
Before you could react—
“Y/N?”
Chan appeared instantly.
He grabbed your hand carefully.
“What happened?”
“Nothing,” you said quickly.
But his brows furrowed.
“You’re bleeding.”
The living room quieted.
The members looked over.
For one hopeful, pathetic second—
You thought maybe they’d all rush over.
Like before.
Instead—
“Careful,” Lee Know said absentmindedly before returning to the conversation.
Changbin only glanced up briefly.
Felix smiled apologetically from the couch.
And Jina said—
“Aww, poor kitty.”
Kitty.
Not Y/N.
Just—
Kitty.
Her tone feels like a mockery to you.
Something inside you cracked quietly.
Chan cleaned your cut gently, unaware of the way your eyes burned.
“You okay?”
You nodded too fast.
“Mhm.”
Liar.
That night, you curled up in your room unable to sleep.
Your tail wrapped tightly around yourself.
The dorm outside buzzed faintly with laughter.
You could hear them.
You always could.
Hybrid hearing.
Unfortunately.
“…Jina, stop stealing my food!”
“You weren’t eating it!”
“That’s not the point!”
More laughter.
More warmth.
Without you.
Your throat tightened painfully.
Because the terrifying part wasn’t that they hated you.
It was worse.
They still loved you.
Just…
Less.
And maybe that made you selfish.
Maybe you should’ve been grateful they loved you at all.
Maybe wanting to remain important forever was greedy.
Maybe you were just a pet after all.
Replaceable once something newer arrived. Someone newer.
Your ears flattened hard against your head.
You pressed both hands over your mouth to stop the shaky sound escaping your throat.
Because if anyone heard you crying—
You didn’t think you could survive the embarrassment.
The next few weeks became torture disguised as normalcy.
“Y/N, you should rest more.”
“Y/N, stop overworking.”
“Y/N, come sit with us.”
They still cared.
Still smiled.
Still thanked you.
But somehow…
You felt farther away every single day.
Like standing outside your own home looking through glass.
And Jina fit in seamlessly.
Too seamlessly.
One evening after practice, you entered the dorm carrying grocery bags only to stop dead.
The kitchen was already busy.
Jina stood beside Chan cooking.
Felix setting plates.
Hyunjin laughing while stealing ingredients.
It looked…
Domestic.
Comfortable.
Natural.
Like a family dinner.
Except there was no place left for you.
“Oh!” Felix noticed you first. “Y/N’s back!”
You smiled weakly.
“I got the groceries…”
“We already ordered food,” Jina said brightly. “You didn’t need to do all that.”
Silence.
Your arms suddenly felt unbearably heavy.
“Oh.”
Chan turned quickly.
“Wait, Y/N— we forgot to text you—”
“It’s okay.”
Too fast.
Too automatic.
You set the bags down carefully.
Your tail no longer swayed much these days.
“I’ll just put these away.”
No one noticed your hands shaking.
Except Lee Know.
He watched you quietly from across the room.
And for a moment—
His expression changed.
Like realization dawning too late.
Later that night, you sat alone on the dorm balcony wrapped in a blanket.
Cold wind brushed through your fluffy ears.
Inside, laughter echoed again.
Always laughter.
You used to be part of it.
The balcony door slid open softly.
Lee Know stepped out.
Neither of you spoke immediately.
He leaned beside you against the railing.
“You’ve been quiet lately.”
Your smile came automatically.
“Have I?”
“Yes.”
You stared down at your hands.
“…Sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
Because I think I’m being replaced.
Because I think I’m losing my home.
Because every time they smile at her I feel like something is clawing apart my chest.
Because I’m terrified one day you’ll realize life is easier without me in it.
But instead you whispered—
“I’m just tired.”
Lee Know looked at you for a long moment.
Too perceptive.
Too sharp.
“…Y/N.”
Your ears twitched weakly.
“You know,” he said quietly, “cats hide when they’re hurt.”
Your throat tightened instantly.
And the terrifying thing—
Was that you almost started crying right there.
i need to see skz on lee young-ji's drinking show i feel like it would be so fun...
