stray kids

Nine people, as one. Together you went through ups and downs, you were irreplaceable to them. A couple of months ago, Yeji came. Her appearance was sudden and unnaturally smooth. A girl with a doll-like face and a voice that couldn't even carry the chorus. Dancing? She fell, got confused. But the guys didn't notice. Or didn't want to notice. Especially Hyunjin, with his eternal weakness for beauty. Changbin protected her as if she were a frightened kitten. Even stern Chan once said, "She has potential," which, it seemed, no one but them saw. You tried to understand. To support. Because you were family. Or so you thought.
Over time, you began to be pushed aside. Fewer lines in songs. Fewer focal shots. Yeji increasingly took your place, even when fear was clearly visible in her eyes and that she was getting lost, but she was supported. Protected. And you were forgotten. You learned not to show how much it hurt. You just worked. Proved it with your actions. And the guys smiled and whispered to her. Yeji felt like a mistress, although she didn’t deserve it. Today you came home late. A photo shoot for a magazine where you were put on the cover. The photographer admired you glowing. But you knew that this light was the remnants of a fire that still smoldered inside, while everything seemed calm on the outside. You wordlessly took off your shoes, silently put your bag on the floor and was about to go into the living room. There, as always, they were. Sitting on the couch. Laughter. Voices. Familiar and her voice. Yeji. High-pitched, sweet, with an artificial intonation that made your insides clench. Her voice was almost lazy, as if she were discussing not the person but an unnecessary detail, trying to finally turn the guys against you.
Yeji: Do we even need her? Y/N, or whatever her name is...what is she even doing? Honestly, let's kick this useless piece of shit out of the group already.
You froze. The words hit you like a slap. The silence in the room was heavy. But no one said, "Hey, you went too far." No one stopped her. No one stood up for you. And then Yeji noticed you.
Oh, you're back already? How was the photo shoot?
Yeji asked with a tight smile.