Stray Kids (SKZ), a popular K-pop group, has amassed a dedicated global fanbase. This passionate community often expresses their admiration through creative outlets like fanfiction. One popular example is “The Truth Behind That Smile” (TTBTS), a fanfiction exploring complex themes and character dynamics within the SKZ universe. This article delves into the narrative, focusing on chapter 15, “Hospital,” and its impact on readers.
Chapter 15 opens with Changbin receiving a distressing call from Chan: Felix has been hit by a truck. The news sends shockwaves through Changbin, leaving him breathless and overwhelmed with worry for his friend. He races to the hospital, his anxiety escalating with each moment. Upon arrival, he demands Felix’s room number from a seemingly indifferent receptionist. After a tense exchange, he finally learns Felix is in room 82 on the third floor. Changbin rushes up the stairs, bypassing the elevator in his urgency.
He finds Minho outside the operating room, along with Chan, Jeongin, Hyunjin, and Seungmin. The somber atmosphere and the tears in their eyes confirm the gravity of the situation. Notably absent is Han. As Changbin joins the group, a distraught Han arrives, desperately seeking answers.
Chan recounts the accident: While crossing the street at a red light, a truck seemingly targeted Felix, leaving him critically injured. Doctors give Felix a mere 10% chance of survival. Overwhelmed by guilt, Chan blames himself for the tragedy. The revelation that the accident was intentional leaves Changbin reeling. Who would deliberately harm Felix, known for his kind and cheerful nature?
The chapter poignantly portrays the emotional devastation of the members. Jeongin, Hyunjin, and Seungmin succumb to exhaustion and sleep, finding comfort in each other’s presence. Han, wracked with grief, finds solace in Minho’s embrace. Minho, typically stoic, silently weeps, offering support to both Han and a vulnerable Chan. Changbin, despite his efforts to remain strong, struggles to contain his own emotions. As the agonizing three-hour wait continues, the weight of uncertainty and fear hangs heavy in the air. The author interjects a humorous note, referencing the search for helium, a playful nod to Felix’s bright personality. However, the underlying tension remains palpable.
The chapter concludes with the group still awaiting news of Felix’s fate, their emotional turmoil mirroring the reader’s own anxieties. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers in suspense, eager to learn Felix’s fate and uncover the truth behind the intentional accident. “The Truth Behind That Smile” masterfully captures the intense bonds within Stray Kids, highlighting the members’ vulnerability and resilience in the face of adversity. The fanfiction’s exploration of complex themes, coupled with its engaging narrative, resonates deeply with fans, solidifying its popularity within the SKZ community.
