Chapter 2

Alex stepped into the bathroom with a playful smirk, the sound of Chan's chuckle fading as she closed the door behind her. Her heart still fluttered from the whirlwind of emotions and the sheer joy of their engagement. She took a moment to steady herself, staring into the mirror as the events of the last day replayed in her mind like a montage of happiness. The teardrop diamond on her finger sparkled under the soft bathroom lights, and she couldn't stop herself from smiling.After quickly freshening up, Alex reached for the outfit she'd chosen—a soft yet polished look that felt perfectly her. The olive green blazer and tailored pants fit her like a glove, giving her an effortlessly chic edge. She paired them with a beige knit top that hugged her figure in just the right way, the soft tones complementing her complexion. A chunky gold chain necklace completed the look, adding a touch of boldness to her otherwise understated outfit. It was the perfect balance of elegance and ease, exactly how she wanted to feel on this special day.Satisfied, Alex slipped on a pair of nude heels and took one last look in the mirror. "Not bad," she murmured to herself, brushing a stray strand of hair into place. She adjusted the blazer and smoothed down her pants before stepping out of the bathroom.Chan was standing by the bed, casually folding the last of their clothes into their bags. He was already dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with dark slacks and polished shoes. The sight of him made her pause for a moment, her heart skipping a beat at how effortlessly handsome he looked. His back was turned to her, and she took a second to admire the broad lines of his shoulders before speaking up."Ready to go?" she asked, her voice light but laced with warmth.Chan turned at the sound of her voice, his eyes widening slightly as they swept over her. He straightened, a small smile playing on his lips as he closed the distance between them. "You look... amazing," he said, his tone soft but full of admiration. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before flicking to the ring on her finger, a spark of pride lighting up his expression. "Absolutely stunning, princess."Alex felt her cheeks flush at the sincerity in his tone. She stepped closer, reaching out to adjust the collar of his shirt with a teasing smile. "You don't look too bad yourself, Mr. Bang."Chan grinned, his dimples deepening as he leaned in to press a quick kiss to her temple. "Alright," he said, stepping back and grabbing their bags. "Let's go before your mom sends another search party."They made their way downstairs, their footsteps soft against the polished wood floors. As they approached the living room, the sound of quiet conversation drifted toward them. Alex's parents were seated on the couch, sipping coffee and chatting as they waited. Her dad was the first to notice them, his eyes lighting up as he set his mug down and rose to greet them."Well, don't you two look sharp," William said, his tone warm and teasing. He pulled Alex into a quick hug before stepping back to take a closer look. His gaze fell to her hand, and when he spotted the ring, his smile widened. "Ah, there it is. Let me see."Alex held out her hand, her cheeks flushing as her dad took her hand in his. His expression softened as he studied the intricate design, the glimmer of the teardrop diamond catching the light. "It's beautiful," he said quietly, his eyes flicking to Chan. "You did good, son."Chan smiled, his hand resting lightly on Alex's lower back. "Thank you, sir. I wanted it to be special."William nodded, his gaze lingering on the ring for a moment longer before letting go. "It's perfect," he said, his tone full of approval.Alex's mom, Elizabeth, joined them, her eyes bright with emotion as she took Alex's hand in hers. "Oh, sweetheart," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "It's absolutely gorgeous. And the way he incorporated your wedding bands with David..." Her voice broke, and she pressed a hand to her chest. "It's just so thoughtful. He's a good man, Alex."Alex felt tears welling up as her mom pulled her into a tight hug. "I know, Mom," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "He really is."Elizabeth pulled back, her hands still resting on Alex's arms as she looked between her and Chan. "You two are going to have a beautiful life together," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I'm so proud of you both."Chan stepped forward, his smile soft as he extended his hand to Elizabeth. "Thank you, Mrs. Turner," he said sincerely. "That means a lot to me."Elizabeth took his hand, squeezing it gently before pulling him into a hug. "Take care of her," she said quietly, her voice firm but kind. "She's been through so much, and she deserves all the happiness in the world.""I will," Chan promised, his voice steady as he returned the hug. "I'll take care of her. Always."As they finished their goodbyes, Alex felt a bittersweet tug in her chest. Leaving her parents always came with a pang of longing, but the excitement for what lay ahead softened the ache. She glanced over at Chan, who was shouldering their bags with ease, his expression relaxed but attentive as he exchanged a few final words with her dad. He seemed to fit seamlessly into this part of her world, and it filled her with a quiet sense of gratitude."Ready, princess?" Chan asked, his tone light as he extended a hand toward her.Alex nodded, sliding her fingers into his and squeezing gently. "Ready."The drive to the airport was calm, the morning sun painting the sky with soft hues of gold and pink. Alex rested her head against the window, watching the city come to life as they passed through quiet streets. Chan's hand remained on hers, his thumb tracing slow, absentminded circles against her skin. The weight of the engagement ring on her finger felt comforting, like an anchor tethering her to this new chapter of her life.They arrived at the airport with time to spare, and Chan's efficiency made the check-in process smooth and quick. He handled their tickets and passports with ease, flashing that dimpled smile at the staff that seemed to instantly disarm even the most stoic agents. Alex couldn't help but grin as she watched him, the warmth in her chest blooming anew. It wasn't just his charm—it was the way he carried himself, steady and dependable, always looking out for her.As they made their way through security, Alex felt a familiar flutter of excitement in her stomach. She glanced at Chan, who was adjusting his watch as they walked toward their gate. "I can't wait to tell the guys."Chan looked over at her with a raised brow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, they're going to lose it," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "Hyunjin almost did, and that was just over FaceTime. Imagine the chaos when we tell them in person."Alex laughed softly, her hand still intertwined with his as they approached the terminal. The energy of the airport buzzed around them—announcements crackling over the intercom, the hum of rolling suitcases, and the chatter of travelers. It all felt surreal, like they were stepping into a new adventure together, one that was as exciting as it was nerve-wracking.They found their gate and settled into a pair of seats near the windows, their bags stowed neatly at their feet. Alex gazed out at the tarmac, watching planes taxi and take off against the backdrop of a clear morning sky. Her thoughts wandered to Paris, to Lollapalooza, to the whirlwind of emotions that awaited them. It was more than just a trip—it was a milestone, a celebration of everything they'd built together and everything they had yet to discover.Chan leaned back in his seat, stretching his legs out in front of him as he let out a soft sigh. "It's been a while since I've been this excited about a trip," he admitted, glancing over at her with a smile. "Not that the last few haven't been amazing, but... this feels different."Alex turned to face him, her expression softening as she took in the sincerity in his eyes. "It does," she agreed, her voice quiet but full of meaning. "It feels like... the start of something new. Something big."Chan reached over, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "It is," he said simply. "And I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."As the wheels of the plane touched down on the runway, Alex felt a flutter of anticipation ripple through her chest. Paris. The City of Light. It was a place she'd dreamed of visiting as a teenager, imagining romantic strolls along the Seine and admiring the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. But this wasn't just a vacation. It was a turning point in her life—one she'd be sharing with Chan and the people who had become an extended family to her.Chan squeezed her hand as the plane taxied to the gate, his dark eyes glinting with excitement. "You ready?" he asked, his voice warm and teasing.Alex smiled, her fingers tightening around his. "As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, the corner of her mouth lifting. "You think they're already at the hotel?"Chan chuckled, leaning back in his seat as he waited for the seatbelt light to turn off. "Technically I'm late. We are going straight to sound check from here.""Wait really?" Alex blinked at him, her brows furrowing in mild disbelief. "Straight to soundcheck? No time to freshen up or even check into the hotel?"Chan grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... Sorry, princess. It's our first festival with a crowd this big but I wanted as much time as I could get with you on our trip."Alex couldn't help but soften at Chan's words, her initial surprise giving way to a gentle smile. "You're lucky you're cute," she teased, giving his hand a playful squeeze. "Otherwise, I'd be seriously questioning your planning skills right about now."Chan laughed, his dimples making their familiar appearance as he leaned closer. "I'll make it up to you, I promise. Dinner by the Eiffel Tower tonight?""The only Eiffel Tower I want is you and Jinnie in our room tonight. It's been three weeks since we've had time with him." Alex muttered under her breath. Chan's eyes widened slightly at Alex's bold remark, and a mischievous grin slowly spread across his face. He leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. "Is that so, princess? I didn't realize you had the whole evening planned out already."Alex raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye as she leaned back in her seat. "Well, someone has to plan ahead," she quipped, her tone laced with mock seriousness. "You're too busy being a rockstar to keep track of these things."Chan chuckled softly, his fingers still intertwined with hers as the seatbelt light finally dinged off. Passengers began to stand and gather their belongings, the hum of voices filling the cabin. "Alright then," he said, his voice warm but laced with amusement. "Dinner can wait. I'll make sure Jinnie knows he's got plans tonight."Alex's cheeks flushed faintly, though she held her teasing smile as she gathered her bag. The thought of reuniting with Hyunjin after weeks apart brought a flutter of excitement to her chest, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the evening ahead.As they disembarked the plane, the crisp Parisian air greeted them with a refreshing coolness. The city stretched out before them, its iconic architecture and bustling streets promising a magical adventure. Chan hailed a car with his usual efficiency, and soon they were weaving through the city's picturesque streets on their way to the festival grounds.The car ride was filled with a quiet sense of excitement, Alex gazing out the window as they passed charming cafés, elegant bridges, and glimpses of the Seine. Chan, ever attentive, rested his hand on her knee, his thumb brushing gently against the fabric of her pants. It was a small gesture, but one that grounded her amidst the whirlwind of emotions.When they arrived at the festival grounds, the energy was electric. Staff members bustled around, sound checks echoed in the distance, and the unmistakable hum of anticipation filled the air. Chan's demeanor shifted slightly as they stepped out of the car, his focus sharpening as he stepped into his role as leader and performer.Alex watched him with a mixture of admiration and pride. He was in his element here, effortlessly balancing the weight of responsibility with his natural charisma. But even amidst the chaos, his attention never strayed far from her."Do you remember which team your company sent for Security?" Chan asked, his eyes scanning the area. "Mac will be here and I think Malik and his crew is here too to be safe." She replied, pulling her phone out to call Mac so he knew they were there. Alex dialed Mac's number, her thumb brushing over the screen as she glanced around the bustling festival grounds. She could already hear the faint hum of music from the main stage, the sound checks in full swing. The energy of the place was infectious, a mix of nerves and excitement buzzing in the air.The call connected, and Mac's deep, familiar voice answered almost immediately. "Alex! Welcome to Paris, boss lady. I was just about to call you. You two make it here alright?"Alex smiled at the warmth in his tone, her tension easing slightly. "Hey, Mac. Yeah, we just got here. Are you already on-site?""Of course," Mac replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "Malik and I have been coordinating with the festival's security team since this morning. Everything's locked down tighter than a drum. You'll be in good hands."Alex glanced at Chan, who was scanning the area with his usual attentiveness. "Great to hear. We're at the main entrance. Where should we meet you?""I'll send someone to bring you back to the artist area," Mac said without hesitation. "Stay put, and don't let Chan wander off. The festival staff has been starstruck enough just prepping for his arrival."Alex laughed softly, glancing at Chan, who raised an eyebrow at her amusement. "I'll do my best to keep him in line. Thanks, Mac. See you soon."She ended the call and slipped her phone back into her blazer pocket, turning to Chan with a smile. "Mac's sending someone to get us. Apparently, you've already caused a stir."Chan tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Me? I've barely been here five minutes. How could I possibly be causing trouble already?"Alex smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned in slightly. "You underestimate the power of your dimples, Mr. Bang."Chan chuckled, his hand sliding to rest on her lower back. "If my dimples are causing trouble, then you might be in for a long day, princess."Before Alex could respond, a young man in a staff lanyard approached them, his eyes wide with barely contained excitement. "Mr. Bang, Ms. Taylor," he stammered, his voice a mix of awe and professionalism. "I've been sent to escort you to the artist area. Right this way, please."Chan nodded politely, his hand remaining on Alex's back as they followed the staff member through the maze of tents, equipment, and bustling crew members. Alex took it all in, the energy of the festival grounding her in the moment. She could feel Chan's steady presence beside her, a constant amidst the chaos.When they reached the artist area, it was abuzz with activity. Crew members moved with purpose, setting up equipment and coordinating schedules, while artists milled about, chatting and warming up. Mac's tall, broad figure was unmistakable as he stood near one of the tents, gesturing as he spoke with a group of security personnel."Mac!" Alex called, her voice cutting through the noise.Mac turned at the sound, his face breaking into a wide grin as he approached. "There they are," he said, his tone warm as he pulled Alex into a quick hug. "Good to see you, boss."Mac pulled back, giving Alex a once-over with a grin that quickly turned into a look of suspicion as his eyes dropped to her hand. His movements froze, and his gaze locked onto the teardrop diamond sparkling on her finger."Wait a second," Mac said, his voice rising slightly as he grabbed her hand gently to get a closer look. "Is this what I think it is?" His expression shifted from disbelief to excitement as he turned to Chan, who was trying (and failing) to suppress a proud smirk. "You proposed?!"Alex laughed, the sound light and full of affection as she nodded. "He did," she said, glancing at Chan, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Last night."Mac let out a loud, triumphant laugh, his booming voice drawing the attention of a few nearby crew members. He ignored them as he focused on Chan, clapping him on the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble slightly. "Finally! Took you long enough, man. I've been waiting for this day for years.""Years?" Chan asked with a raised brow, rubbing his shoulder but grinning nonetheless. "We haven't even known each other that long."Mac waved off his protest with a laugh, turning back to Alex. "Yeah, well, as soon as I met you, I knew it was just a matter of time before this guy realized how lucky he was. I mean, come on—look at this ring! You really went all out, didn't you, Chan?"Alex felt her chest tighten with warmth as she watched the easy camaraderie between her best friend and her fiancé. "He did," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. "It's perfect, Mac. It's... everything."Mac's teasing grin softened at her words, and he reached out to pull her into another quick hug. "You deserve it, Alex," he said quietly, his tone sincere. "You deserve all the happiness in the world. And this guy better keep delivering, or he'll have me to answer to.""I hear you, loud and clear," Chan replied with a chuckle, his expression equal parts amused and touched by Mac's protective streak. "No pressure or anything, though, right?""None at all," Mac shot back, his grin returning. He stepped back, his gaze flicking between Alex and Chan with a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "So, when's the big day? Or is that still classified information?"Alex glanced at Chan, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "We haven't set a date yet," she admitted. "We're still letting the whole 'we're engaged' thing sink in.""Well, whenever it is," Mac said, crossing his arms as he gave them both a pointed look, "you'd better believe I'm going to be front and center. And I'm calling dibs on a speech. I've got years of material stored up for this moment.""You've already got dibs on God father, let's let Beth have the speeches." Alex laughed before changing the subject. "Where are the rest of the guys?"Mac grinned, leaning back slightly and crossing his arms. "The rest of the guys? Last I saw, they were over by the main stage, doing their soundcheck. Hyunjin's been asking for updates on you two every ten minutes. Do they know yet?""We told Hyunjin this morning. That's probably why he's so excited." Chan said. Mac gestured for them to follow him. "Come on, I'll take you to the main stage. It's empty for soundcheck, so you'll have a little breathing room before the chaos of the festival kicks in."They followed Mac through the bustling artist area, the energy of the festival palpable even in its early stages. Crew members darted back and forth, checking equipment and communicating on headsets, while a few other artists lingered around their respective tents, warming up or chatting. Alex took it all in, the vibrant atmosphere buzzing with anticipation.As they neared the main stage, the thrum of bass and the faint sound of a mic check carried through the air. Alex glanced at Chan, who looked completely at ease, his usual leader demeanor slipping into place effortlessly. He gave her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand as they stepped closer to the stage.The massive, open expanse of the festival grounds stretched before them, empty except for a few crew members and the towering stage in the distance. The sight was awe-inspiring, even without the crowds. Alex could only imagine how it would look and feel later, filled with fans and pulsating with music."Over here," Mac called, leading them toward the side of the stage. As they approached, Alex spotted Hyunjin perched on one of the massive black speaker cases, his long legs dangling off the side. He was chatting animatedly with Felix and Changbin, his hands gesturing wildly as he spoke. The moment he caught sight of Alex and Chan, his entire face lit up like the sun."There they are!" Hyunjin practically yelled, jumping down from the case with an energy that seemed almost impossible for this hour of the morning. He bounded toward them, his grin so wide it looked like it might split his face in half. "Alex! Chan! You're finally here!"Before either of them could respond, Hyunjin pulled Alex into a dramatic hug, lifting her slightly off the ground as he spun her in a small circle. "Let me see it!" he exclaimed, setting her down and immediately grabbing her hand to inspect the ring. His eyes widened as he took in the intricate design. "Oh my God. It's even more gorgeous in person! Chan, you outdid yourself!""Who out did themselves?" Lee Know's voice cut through the air, his sharp yet playful tone immediately grabbing everyone's attention as he stepped onto the stage. His eyes narrowed suspiciously, flicking between Alex, Chan, and Hyunjin, who was still holding Alex's hand like it was some prized artifact. "What's all the commotion about?""Oh, you're about to find out!" Hyunjin said dramatically, his grin widening even further as he all but shoved Alex's hand toward Lee Know. "Feast your eyes on this masterpiece."Lee Know's brow furrowed as he looked at Alex's hand, his gaze landing on the ring. His expression shifted instantly, his usual sarcastic edge softening into something resembling awe. "Wait... is this—?" He looked up at Alex, his mouth slightly agape. "Did you...?"Alex's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, a shy yet proud smile spreading across her face. "We're engaged," she said softly, her voice carrying just enough for the group to hear. Five heads turned simultaneously and within seconds Alex was swarmed. The announcement hit like a ripple through the group, and in an instant, Alex was surrounded by the excited chaos that could only be caused by Stray Kids."Engaged?!" Felix's voice rose above the commotion, his wide eyes flickering between Alex and Chan as if trying to piece together what he'd just heard. "Wait, wait, wait. Like, engaged engaged? As in wedding bells and 'I do's' engaged?""Yes, Felix," Alex laughed, her voice barely audible over the chorus of exclamations and questions. "Engaged engaged.""Oh my God, no way!" Felix all but squealed, immediately diving in for a hug. His arms wrapped tightly around her, and Alex could feel the pure joy radiating off of him. "Congratulations, Alex! And you too, Chan! This is insane!"Changbin, ever the loud one, grabbed Chan by the shoulders, shaking him with mock outrage. "You didn't even tell us you were going to propose! What kind of leader keeps something like this a secret from his members?"Chan was laughing, holding up his hands in surrender as Changbin released him. "It was supposed to be a surprise! And I wanted Alex to be the first to know, obviously.""Yeah, yeah," Changbin said, rolling his eyes but clearly unable to keep the smile off his face. He turned to Alex, his expression softening. "But seriously, congrats, Alex. Chan couldn't have picked a better person.""Thanks, Binnie," Alex said, her voice warm as she returned his grin."I'm offended," Seungmin piped up, his tone dry but his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I thought we were closer than this, Chan. To think you'd keep such monumental news from me.""Yeah, hyung," I.N added, crossing his arms as he tried to maintain a mock-serious expression. "What if we wanted to help plan the proposal? You robbed us of a chance to be involved."Chan groaned, rubbing the back of his neck as the teasing piled on. "You guys are impossible," he muttered, though the amused glint in his eyes betrayed his true feelings. "I was trying to keep it private, okay?""Are you going to tell them the other bit?!" Hyunjin asked bouncing up and down down on the balls of his feet. Chan's expression froze for a split second before he let out a resigned chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hyunjin, can you give us at least five seconds to enjoy the engagement moment before dropping more bombshells?"Hyunjin, ever the dramatic one, placed his hands on his hips and tilted his head, his wide grin betraying the fact that he was thoroughly enjoying this. "Oh, come on, they're going to find out sooner or later! Why not now?"Alex glanced at Chan, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Might as well rip the band-aid off," she said softly, squeezing his hand for reassurance.Chan let out a soft sigh, his eyes scanning the eager and curious faces of his bandmates. He glanced at Alex, who gave him a small, encouraging nod, her fingers squeezing his hand gently. Turning back to the group, he cleared his throat and spoke, his voice calm but filled with the weight of the news."Alright, since Hyunjin can't contain himself," Chan began, shooting his dramatic friend a teasing look, "we've already started the IVF process. We're trying for a baby."The reaction was instantaneous. The group erupted into a cacophony of shocked gasps, excited exclamations, and disbelieving laughter. Felix's hands flew to his mouth, his wide eyes shimmering with emotion, while Changbin let out a loud "No way!" that echoed across the stage. Seungmin's jaw dropped, and I.N looked like he couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry."Wait, wait, wait," Lee Know interrupted, holding up his hands to silence the chaos. His sharp gaze darted between Chan and Alex, his tone incredulous. "You're not joking? This isn't some elaborate prank, right?""No prank," Alex said with a soft laugh, her free hand resting over her abdomen as she spoke. "We're serious. It's something we've been talking about for a while now, and with my age and medical history..." She paused, glancing at Chan for a moment before continuing, her voice steady. "It's kind of now or never."The weight of her words seemed to settle over the group, momentarily silencing even the loudest among them. There was a palpable shift in the air, a mixture of awe and understanding as they processed what she'd said.Chan stepped in, his voice calm yet filled with the vulnerability of the truth he was about to share. "Alex's medical history... it makes things more complicated. With everything she's been through—the surgeries, the trauma—it's now or never if we want this to happen. IVF gives us the best chance, but we knew it wasn't something we could wait on."The group remained silent for a moment, the weight of Chan's words hanging heavily in the air. Hyunjin, for once, wasn't bouncing with excitement but stood quietly, his wide eyes reflecting the mix of emotions that everyone seemed to be feeling. Finally, it was Felix who broke the silence, stepping forward and placing a gentle hand on Alex's arm."Alex," Felix said softly, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I can't even imagine everything you've been through, but I just want you to know... we're here for you. For both of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it."Alex felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she looked at Felix, his sincerity shining through every word. She reached out and squeezed his hand, her voice thick with gratitude. "Thank you, Felix. That means more than you know."Changbin, never one to stay serious for too long, stepped forward with a grin that was equal parts supportive and mischievous. "Well, if you're going to have a kid, that means we get to be uncles, right? And you better believe I'm going to be the favorite uncle. Sorry, Hyunjin."Hyunjin immediately snapped out of his momentary silence, his hands flying to his hips as he glared at Changbin. "Excuse me? Favorite uncle? Did you see who they called first to tell about the engagement and the baby? Spoiler alert—it wasn't you!""Guys, let's not fight," Seungmin chimed in, his deadpan tone doing nothing to mask the teasing glint in his eyes. "We all know the baby's going to love me the most because I'm the only one with any sense of responsibility."I.N, still wide-eyed and clearly in awe of the news, suddenly burst out, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe there's going to be a baby! Like, an actual baby! Do you think they'll let us babysit?"Chan let out a deep laugh, the sound rich and filled with warmth as he held Alex's hand tighter. "I'm not sure if babysitting is going to be your strong suit, maknae, but we'll keep you on the shortlist."The group erupted into laughter, the heaviness of the moment replaced by a sense of shared joy and excitement. Alex found herself smiling through her tears, her heart swelling with love for the people who had become her family. They were loud and chaotic and sometimes a little too much, but they were hers—and she wouldn't have it any other way.Lee Know, who had been quietly observing the chaos with a small smile, stepped forward and placed a hand on Chan's shoulder. "You've got a big journey ahead of you," he said, his tone serious but supportive. "But you're not doing it alone. We're with you every step of the way."Chan nodded, his throat tight with emotion as he looked at his friend. "Thanks, Minho. That means a lot."Hyunjin, clearly unable to stay serious for too long, suddenly threw his arms around Alex and Chan, pulling them into a dramatic group hug. "You guys are going to make the cutest baby in the history of the world, and I demand matching outfits for all of us! This is non-negotiable."Alex let out a laugh, her voice muffled against Hyunjin's shoulder as she was squeezed tightly. "Matching outfits? We haven't even made it through the first round of IVF, and you're already planning wardrobe choices?""Details," Hyunjin said dismissively, his grin wide as he finally released them. "The important thing is, this baby is going to be surrounded by so much love and chaos. Mostly chaos, but, you know, love too."Alex glanced at Chan, who was looking at her with the same mixture of love, pride, and quiet reassurance that had carried her through so many of their challenges together. She leaned into him slightly, her heart full as she looked around at the group of people who had become her family.This wasn't going to be an easy journey—Alex knew that better than anyone. But with Chan by her side, and with the unwavering support of their friends, she felt ready to face whatever came next. This was their family, their future, and it was going to be beautiful—chaos and all.