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) < Previous Next > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
The private beach was almost empty.
Only a handful of families wandered near the shoreline. Several children chased one another while laughing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You and Hyunjin wandered slowly, fingers loosely intertwined.
Unlike you, Hyunjin barely looked down anymore.
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.
