K-Pop one shots

The six-day experiment was drawing to a close. Bang Chan, leader of Stray Kids, had been temporarily swapped with BTS's Kim Namjoon, or RM. Chan found himself shepherding the septet through dance practices and vocal rehearsals, a whirlwind of synchronized movements and soaring harmonies. Meanwhile, RM was trying to hold the reins of the eight-member powerhouse that was Stray Kids, his mind constantly reeling from the sheer volume of their energy.

Finally, the weekend arrived, a sigh of collective relief sweeping through both groups.

Stray Kids, true to form, decided to unleash their pent-up energy on a local club. RM, who had been quietly observing their antics all week, braced himself. He'd heard stories, whispers of their untamed spirit and boundless enthusiasm. He just didn't know how truly wild they could be.

The club was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, thumping bass, and swirling bodies. Within minutes, the Stray Kids tornado had touched down. Karaoke became a battle of who could hit the highest note (Hyunjin, surprisingly, took the crown with a screech that shattered glass), drinks flowed freely, and the dance floor became a battleground of improvised moves and infectious laughter. RM watched, a mixture of amusement and disbelief etched on his face.

Then came the even more unbelievable moments. Hyunjin, fueled by shots of something neon green, somehow ended up on a makeshift strip pole, his movements surprisingly graceful, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. Leeknow, Han, and I.N, thoroughly flushed with alcohol, disappeared into a private room, the sounds emanating from within leaving little to the imagination. And then, the grand finale: Felix and Seungmin, locked in a passionate embrace, embarked on a seemingly endless kissing challenge as Changbin, ever the enthusiastic hype man, kept a running commentary and declared a winner based on sheer endurance.

RM, leaning against the bar, took a long sip of his water (he'd learned early on to avoid alcohol with these guys). This, he thought, was Stray Kids in their purest, most unadulterated form.

Meanwhile, at the BTS dorm, Bang Chan was getting a completely different taste of weekend life. After wrapping up their tasks, the group opted for a more mellow approach. They decided to visit a low-key K-pop kickback, an event that was known for its chill atmosphere and exclusive guest list. It was a night of relaxed conversation, easy laughter, and the joy of connecting with other artists. They mingled with members of BLACKPINK and Seventeen, swapping stories and sharing industry experiences.

The night wore on, filled with quiet camaraderie and the simple pleasure of good company. By the time Bang Chan returned to the dorm, he felt relaxed and rejuvenated, a stark contrast to what he imagined RM was experiencing.

As the night wound down, the two leaders found time to exchange texts:

RM: Okay, Chan, I think I officially understand the meaning of "organized chaos." I've witnessed things tonight that I will likely need therapy to unpack. How goes the chill evening?

Bang Chan: 😂 That sounds about right. We had a pretty relaxed night. Got to meet some other groups and actually had some meaningful conversations. How many laws were broken tonight?

RM: I'm honestly not sure. Possibly several noise ordinances. Definitely someone got on a pole. I might have also seen a threesome head into a room. I think I need a new pair of eyeballs. I need to get back to composing.

Bang Chan: 😂 Sounds like Stray Kids being Stray Kids. Good luck with the rest of the weekend! You deserve a medal.

Bang Chan, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving RM to the wolves, decided to text Hyunjin.

Bang Chan: Hey, Hyunjin. Just checking in. You guys having fun? Remember to drink water!

What followed was a series of garbled messages that painted a vivid picture of Hyunjin's inebriated state:

Hyunjin: Bnagchan hygung!

Bang Chan: Hyunjin, are you okay?

Hyunjin: i am reallhy having fung. the floor is moving

Bang Chan: The floor is moving? Maybe you should sit down.

Hyunjin: i am dancing with a polllle. its so fukny

Bang Chan: Please, Hyujin, put the pole down.

Hyunjin: nooope. its my new besft fwiend

Bang Chan: Okay, just…be careful. And drink some water. Please.

Hyunjin: wotaer is 4 looserrs. i am a dancing god

Bang Chan: 🤦‍♂️ Just…try to stay out of jail. Goodnight, Hyunjinnie.

Meanwhile, RM received a somewhat more coherent, but equally charged, text message from Jin.

Jin: Namjoon-ah… I miss you. This bed feels so empty without you.

RM: I miss you too, Jinnie. How was the kickback?

Jin: It was fun, but everyone else is coupled up, and I just keep thinking about you… 😘😘

RM: 😳 I'll be back soon. Just a few more days.

Jin: A few days too long! I have so many dad jokes saved up just for you. And other things… 😉

RM: 😅 Save them for when I get back. I might need a translator for the dad jokes after this week.

Jin: 🤭 I can't wait. Hurry home, Namjoon-ah. I have a feeling you'll need some serious stress relief.

RM: Believe me, I will need it. Goodnight, Jinnie. Sweet dreams.

Jin: Goodnight, Joonie. Dream of me. (heart emoji)

RM sighed and closed his phone. He knew that returning to BTS would be a welcome change of pace, a return to the familiar rhythm of their own brand of controlled chaos. But a part of him would miss the unbridled energy of Stray Kids, the sheer audacity of their spirit. It was chaotic, yes, but it was also undeniably captivating.

The leader swap had been an eye-opening experience for both of them. Chan had gained a newfound appreciation for the quiet moments, the importance of meaningful connection. RM, on the other hand, had been thrown into the deep end of youthful exuberance, emerging slightly frazzled, but ultimately, with a grudging respect for the group that could turn any night into an unforgettable adventure.

As the week came to a close, both groups were eager to return to their normal dynamic. Both groups learned from each other, appreciating the others lifestyle and dynamic.