Make Myself A Legacy (Another Stray Kids Member)

Changbin's birthday

This was the year that they could celebrate Changbin's birthday with no tour in mind. Of course, there was a vlive as they wanted to have their fans part of the celebration. It was simpler than the years past, but it was great. Just as memorable. The members had given their gifts and they were all appreciated, even though some had teased him while greeting. Yet one member was yet to give his gift as he said he wanted Changbin and only him to see it first.

It was getting later in the night when they decided to end the live. They agreed to order in some of Changbin's favorite food. Leon told them he had to take Changbin out for a while, just quick and as the food arrived. The boys agreed but were curious too since no one had a clue on what Leon's gift was. The older boy, by a few days, guided Changbin out and into another quarter of the Labyrinth Hub. The younger boy was always amazed when his hyung had taken him here. It had a footprint of Leon.

"I need you to close your eyes as we enter my studio. I don't want the surprise to go off untimed." The request of the older made Changbin more curious but he agreed. He could trust his hyung anyway. So he did as asked and Leon guided him inside. Nothing felt odd, it felt the same and there seemed to be no new furniture but he only opened his eyes once Leon had said.

In front of him was one of Leon's screens, and once not overwhelmed with sudden sight, a video was played. There were a million photos of himself working, from music to dancing to the gym. He had no idea how these photos were acquired but they all seemed so raw. So candid. There was a familiar song playing in the track and once he fully heard the lyrics were the time, he gasped. His eyes had quickly sought out Leon and they couldn't help but tear. It was their song, something unreleased intentionally.

Changbin thought that he was not good at composing or arranging. He was not confident enough to release it. There were a few changes, slight transitions, and beats but he knew it was a Leon signature touch up. The older had signed him to keep watching the video and he did. All the shots were beautiful he had to admit, and it turns out Hyunjin and Leon had taken these. Towards the end, there were words that read:

"You are undoubtedly a hard worker and a motivating person. You push others up towards the sky so that they know they can surpass it. But I hope you know that you always reached the stars. Maybe you need a bit of reminding."

He was confused about the cryptic message until Leon had brought out something.

Something that made him want to just break down too.

It was headphones, but not just any ordinary kind. His name was engraved to it and it was specifically designed by Labyrinth Hub Tech. He recognized the difference to the speakers, even the headphone cushions. It was made just for him, a specific design. He teared up more when he saw a hardbound notebook that came with it.

It had space to hang his headphones around. But it was a compilation of the lyrics he had written, whether it made it or not. He gently took the notebook from Leon and flipped through it. It was not filled, but at the page, before blanks, there was familiar handwriting.

"The legacy you build deserves to be taken note and preserved. Keep making me proud and pour out you. Your lyrics are best when there is you in them, and there always is." - Leon, one of your hyungs and fellow 99 liners.

The younger boy couldn't help but sob and hug his hyung. The older boy smiled but if one looked closer, there was an outline of tears in his eyes too. He held the boy tight and whispered that he hoped Changbin loved the gifts. The younger boy sobbed harder into the man's shirt as he agreed.

It took them a while to break out of the emotional moment. But once they did, they proceeded to the dorm. Changbin wanted to ask Leon how he exactly got all these, but knowing him he'd just shrug. So he kept the questions to himself. He was very happy and saw himself as lucky on his birthday. 

________________

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to this man here. I know he won't read this, but I find it important to dedicate a chapter for him. 

Music has helped me find a bit of worth it in life. It's really cruel to live, but there are joys that we can find. But that doesn't mean only the happy tunes are what made me find it worth it. Also the sad songs, and just the hype songs they all contributed. I cried when I heard at SKZ Player Changbin's Streetlight. I didn't understand the words but all I've been holding on to, was let go. When I got the chance to read the lyrics, I cried even more. He told me messages that I thought I shouldn't feel, for I might be too selfish to even think of these things. 

His lyrics, producing, singing and rapping and all, it made me feel okay. Made me feel okay to wherever I was at any point in my life. And I just wanted to say that. 

#HappyChangbinDay

#OurLightChangbin