Chapter 30: Part 1
The air in the Stray Kids mansion crackled with a nervous energy. It was Monday, the day the leader swap began. Bang Chan, usually the calm anchor of the group, was currently a whirlwind of anxiety, double-checking his bag for the tenth time. He was about to lead BTS, one of the biggest groups in the world, for a week. Across town, in the equally luxurious BTS dorm, Namjoon, ever stoic, adjusted his glasses and prepared himself for the chaos of Stray Kids.
The exchange was swift. Bang Chan, accompanied by Hyunjin, who clung to his boyfriend's arm for support, were greeted by Jin at the BTS mansion. After brief, polite introductions, they were ushered inside. Meanwhile, Namjoon was met by a slightly manic Felix at the Stray Kids dorm, Seungmin and Changbin hovering protectively behind him.
"Welcome, Namjoon-hyung!" Felix chirped, his enthusiasm bordering on overwhelming. "We're so excited to have you! We'll try not to be too crazy, but... well, we're Stray Kids."
Namjoon managed a small smile. "I appreciate the warning."
The initial hours were a blur of information overload. At the BTS mansion, Bang Chan, with Hyunjin's silent but reassuring presence, struggled to memorize schedules, dietary restrictions, and personal quirks. He listened intently as Jin explained the intricacies of their collaborative songwriting process, Jimin outlined their intensive dance routines, and Jungkook demonstrated his impressive array of hobbies.
"So, Taehyung likes to paint while listening to classical music," Jin explained, pointing to a sprawling canvas covered in vibrant colors. "And Suga-hyung needs at least an hour of uninterrupted sleep after lunch, or he becomes...difficult."
Meanwhile, at the Stray Kids mansion, Namjoon was bombarded with a different kind of information. Han rattled off lyrics at lightning speed, I.N demonstrated a bizarre collection of stuffed animals, and Leeknow tried to teach him a dance routine with impossibly fast footwork.
"Okay, so you step forward, then back, then slide to the left, but not too far, because then you kick Seungmin, and we don't want that," Leeknow instructed, his voice a perfect mix of deadpan and exasperation.
The first real sign of impending chaos came during dinner. At the BTS mansion, Hyunjin, usually a picky eater, found himself overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dishes Jin had prepared. He quietly excused himself after taking only a few bites, leaving Bang Chan to awkwardly apologize to the BTS members.
Across town, the Stray Kids were having their own dinner disaster. Namjoon, used to BTS's relatively organized mealtimes, was unprepared for the free-for-all that erupted as soon as the food appeared. Felix tossed a dumpling to Seungmin, who caught it in his mouth. Changbin declared a rap battle over who got the last piece of kimchi. And Han, in a fit of creative inspiration, started writing lyrics on his napkin, completely oblivious to the chaos around him.
"This is...interesting," Namjoon commented, pushing a stray noodle around his plate.
As the evening wore on, the pressure began to mount. Bang Chan found himself second-guessing his every decision. He was used to leading Stray Kids, a group he knew inside and out, but BTS was a completely different beast. Their internal dynamics were subtle, their creative processes complex. He felt like he was constantly on the verge of making a critical mistake.
At the Stray Kids mansion, Namjoon was struggling to maintain order. The sheer energy of the younger group was exhausting. They seemed to thrive on chaos, their creativity sparked by unpredictability. He admired their passion, but he also longed for the quiet predictability of his own group.
By the end of the first day, both leaders were drained. Bang Chan slumped onto the couch in the BTS living room, Hyunjin wrapping a comforting arm around him. "It's okay, Channie," Hyunjin murmured. "You're doing great."
Namjoon, meanwhile, escaped to the Stray Kids' rooftop, seeking a moment of peace under the starry sky. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to Bang Chan: "Hang in there. We'll get through this."
The week had only just begun, and already, it felt like a lifetime. Both leaders knew that they would have to learn to adapt, to embrace the unfamiliar, and to trust in the support of their members. They had a week to navigate the complexities of a new group, to understand their rhythms, and to find a way to lead them. It was a daunting challenge, but they were determined to see it through, for their own groups, and for each other. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: this leader swap was going to be an experience they would never forget.