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Stray Kids AU (italian boy version) ;

Lee Know as Leonardo Caruso

Leonardo came from a Sicilian family, Caruso surname basically gives it out, but he moved around considerably due to his parents jobs and making him growing up around different cities: late childhood in Florence, high school in Rome and University’s life in Milan.

Even if he never lived the Sicilian lifestyle and customs, he proudly says he is. He also deeply loved the food and culture. He doesn’t know Sicilian unfortunately but at lest he was fluent in different languages (Italian aside) such as English, French and Spanish. He knows some Germans basics, but he’s not able yet to hold long conversations.

Leonardo was born into a loving family that celebrated creativity and passion. His father, Giovanni, was an architect who admired precision, yet harbored a secret love for theater. His mother, Maria, was a marketing manager with a deep appreciation for literature and the performing arts. Together, they nurtured Leonardo’s talents from an early age, recognizing the spark in him that longed to create and express.

As a child, Leonardo was constantly moving to music. He loved the way dance allowed him to express emotions that words could not capture. His parents, recognizing his passion, enrolled him in dance classes, where he thrived. Dance became a vital part of his life, not just as a hobby, but as a form of self-expression. However, when it came time to choose a field of study, Leonardo didn’t pursue dance professionally.

Instead, he chose to study Performing Arts Management, a field where he could combine his love for the arts with his natural talent for organization and leadership. Thanks to his family economic status, he was able to enroll at the Università Bocconi. Even if the school had a residence located right on campus, he decided to rent a rather cheaper place since the university’s regulations, obviously, would not allow animals inside and he wanted to bring with him his cat (Bella) and his little parrot (Gino).

There was also some times where the dream of becoming a professional dancer/choreographer would come up in conversations, but since it was not a well-supported field in Italy he decided to pick a more solid path while enjoying dance’s classes and teaching it to kids as a part-time job. This decision helped him creating choreographies for shows and events around the country, giving him the possibility to know more while coordinating both studies. His parents supported this decision wholeheartedly, understanding that it was a path that allowed him to blend his passion with practicality.

Leonardo’s time in Milan wasn’t without its challenges. The competitive nature of his field sometimes led to intense stress, and his perfectionist tendencies made it difficult for him to accept anything less than excellence. Leonardo’s perfectionism wasn’t his only burden. His fear of failure, of not living up to the high standards he set for himself, created a constant state of anxiety. He became obsessed with his work, unable to detach from it even when he knew he needed to. His mind was always racing, always thinking about the next project, the next goal. He pushed himself to the brink, ignoring the toll it was taking on his mental and physical health.

However, unlike those who might have crumbled under such pressure, Leonardo’s drive was tempered by the unconditional support of his family and friends. His father often reminded him of the importance of balance “It’s the imperfections that make something truly beautiful.” While his mother encouraged him to stay true to his passions. “Art is about expression, Leo. Don’t lose yourself in the pursuit of success.” This foundation of love and support kept Leonardo grounded. He learned to balance his high expectations with self-compassion, realizing that mistakes were not failures, but opportunities to learn and grow.

His life in Milan was filled with both work and play. By day, he attended classes, managed events, and collaborated on projects. By night, he would often find himself in a dance studio, lost in the music, or out exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene with his friends. The balance between his studies and his love for dance made him a well-rounded individual, respected by both his peers and his professors.

He might be seen as energetic, charismatic, and driven, with a strong sense of discipline and creativity. His personality would reflect a blend of confidence and approachability [when he wanted] combined with a passion for his interests such as dance, football (he is an AC Milan supporter) and museums. On the other hand he was impulsive, potentially causing issues in some situations, impatient, with high expectations and a tendency to have conflict avoidance.

Through it all, Leonardo remained a paradox—a man of incredible strength and fragile insecurity. He was a loyal friend, always there for those he cared about, yet he struggled to let others be there for him. He was creative and innovative, yet trapped by his own need for control. And while he pursued beauty in all things, he often overlooked the beauty within himself.

Even if he came out as an introvert, he actually loved social interactions, especially if he could’ve communicate with people who had a similar interest. Plus drinking was a common part of Italian social life, so he did likely partake in it. When he was younger this thing helped him a lot in social settings, making him feel more comfortable and confident. Now he just enjoyed being there and have a nice glass, maybe two or three, of Chianti (red wine) or Negroni (cocktail).

He was also a social smokers. Didn’t have an addiction since he was a really health-conscious and has active lifestyle, but he smoked during night out or in social gatherings. Normally the pack of Camel Blu he bought on Friday lasted seven days. He stoled the first cigarette from his father.

Leonardo, also, got frustration with inefficiencies like bureaucracy, the chaos of traffic, that’s why he decided to have a motorbike instead of a car, relaxed attitudes toward time since he gets annoyed by people being late or plans not starting on time; gossip culture finding it intrusive and unnecessary and overly traditional mindsets. These aspects clash with his desire for structure, privacy, and progressiveness.

Family background

He has a supportive relationship with his parents, who encourage his interests and career aspirations. He has a strong bond with both his older brother and younger sister. They share common interests in art, design, and fashion, and often collaborate on creative projects.

Giovanni “Gianni”, father (architect, 60) supportive and disciplined, with a strong emphasis on education and professional success. He has a passion for art and design.

Maria, mother (marketing manager, 55) – warm and encouraging, with a strong influence on Leonardo’s cultural and academic interests. She enjoys cooking

Luigi, older brother (graphic designer, 30) – creative and outgoing, with a passion for music and the arts. He is close to his younger brother and often shares his interests in fashion and trends.

Rosa, younger sister (fashion design student, 22) – studying fashion design in Milan, she looks up to Leonardo and shares his enthusiasm for artistic and creative pursuits. Energetic and fashion-conscious

Friendship

His social life would revolve around close relationships and local traditions. Also his friends are the ones made along the way, having a tight-knit group of people from school and cultural events.

Francesco – an old friend from high school in Rome, they bonded over sports and have maintained a close relationship.

Sofia – his sister’s friend, who shares interests in design and fashion. They became friends through family gatherings and shared activities.

Elena – a university classmate in Milan who shares his interest in performing arts. They met through academic projects and social events

Cesare (Chagbin) – they met in Milan through a mutual friend, connecting over coffee to discuss a potential collaboration. The friend knew Leonardo was interested in organizing dance events and thought Cesare could help with the business side, given his expertise in finance and management. Their shared ambitions quickly deepened their relationship, with Leonardo’s creativity and Cesare’s business acumen complementing each other perfectly. Over time, their professional connection blossomed into a strong, supportive bond, with both relying on each other for advice, motivation, and friendship.

Riccardo (Bang Chan) – they met at a dance workshop in Milan. Carlo was attending to improve his rhythm for music production, while Leonardo was refining his choreography skills. They connected over their shared dedication to mastering their craft. Their mutual respect for each other’s dedication led to a lasting friendship, with Riccardo often offering guidance and support as Leonardo navigated his studies and creative pursuits.

Edoardo (Hyunjin) – they met thanks to their professional collaboration in a major fashion and performing arts event in Milan. They began collaborating on dance performances, with Edoardo designing costumes for Leonardo’s shows. Their friendship is built on mutual respect for each other’s talents. Leonardo admires Edoardo’s fashion design skills, while Edoardo appreciates Leonardo’s dedication to dance.

Federico (Felix) – Leonardo met Federico through Cesare. Cesare and Federico were childhood friends from Naples, and when Leonardo and Cesare became close during their time in Milan, Cesare introduced Federico to Leonardo. Federico’s warm and friendly nature quickly led to a strong bond between them. Despite their different fields of study, their shared love for creativity and the arts solidified their friendship

Giulio (Han) – they met at a university event in Milan where they both attended a literary discussion panel. Giulio was studying literature and Leonardo was intrigued by his insights. They struck up a conversation, discovering a mutual interest in storytelling and the arts. Their shared passions and intellectual curiosity led to a close friendship

Vittorio (Seungmin) – met at a theater production in Rome. Lee Know was assisting with choreography, and Seungmin was part of the musical ensemble. They connected over their love for performing arts. They discovered a shared enthusiasm for storytelling and visual arts, which led to a strong connection. Their friendship grew as they collaborated on various artistic projects and supported each other’s academic and creative pursuits.

Valerio (Jeongin) – met during a collaborative project between Milan and Turin’s universities. Leonardo, studying performing arts management, was tasked with organizing a multimedia performance event, while Valerio, a sound engineering student, was responsible for the sound design. Their friendship is characterized by a dynamic where Leonardo plays a somewhat protective and advisory role, while Valerio brings fresh ideas and energy to their interactions

Neighborhoods

Milan – Isola District, a trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of modern and industrial charm

Rome – Testaccio, known for its authentic Roman atmosphere, food scene, and a more local, laid-back vibe

Florence – Santo Spirito, a charming and bohemian neighborhood with a strong local vibe and artistic flair, with plenty of bares and cafes

Favorite Italian artists

Tedua – his lyrical depth, unique flow, and ability to blend trap with introspective themes would resonate with his appreciation for artistry and emotional storytelling. His innovative style aligns with Leonardo’s love for both modern and classic influences.

Marracash – appreciated for his depth and socially conscious lyrics. He loves his lyrical depth, versatile sound, emotional expression and cultural significance. Marracash’s music offers the kind of artistic and meaningful content that Leonardo value. Songs such as Crudelia, Madame and Bravi a Cadere are some of the first songs he added to his playlist

Lazza – his technical skill as a rapper and his classical piano background would intrigue Leonardo, who appreciates both precision and creativity. Lazza’s versatility in both hardcore rap and more melodic tracks would align with Leo’s eclectic tastes.

Adriano Celentano – one of the most important singers of Italian pop music. In the beginning of his career, he was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley and other American musicians.

Lucio Battisti – widely recognized for songs that defined the late 1960s and 1970s era, considered a progressive artist, though his original approach to the music was highly influential for many later performers

Favorite dishes

Pasta alla norma, sicilian classic made with fried eggplants and ricotta salata

Pizza alla diavola, spicy and flavored

Cannoli, a sweet and crunchy sicilian dessert

Osso buco, milanese specialty, consisting of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine and broth

Caprese salad, a light and refreshing dish with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil

Pasta alla carbonara, a satisfying rich and creamy roma’s pasta dish, made with eggs, cheese, guanciale, and pepper

Favorite movies

La Vita è Bella (1997) by Roberto Benigni: a heartwarming and tragic story set against the backdrop of World War II

8½ (1963) by Federico Fellini: a surreal ad introspective film about the struggles of a filmmaker

The Best of Youth (2003) by Marco Tullio Giordana: an epic tale spanning decades, exploring family and personal growth

Favorite writers

He would likely be drawn to writers who explore themes of identity, independence, relationships, and the human condition

Luigi Pirandello – “Uno, Nessuno e Centomila”, the first book he read and one of his all time favorite, narrates Pirandello’s exploration of identity and the masks people wear. It resonate with Leonardo’s reflective side, as he values self-awareness.

Alessandro Baricco – “Seta”, his personal favorite, represents the poetic and evocative style of Baricco’s storytelling. This book appeals him, who appreciates beauty and subtlety in art.

Giovanni Verga – “I Malavoglia”, Verga’s realistic portrayal of rural life and the struggles of a Sicilian family definitely interest him, who has a deep appreciation for stories about resilience and family ties.

Favorites seaside spots

Caprera – located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Caprera Island is known for its pristine landscapes, historical significance, and outdoor adventures

Taormina – located in Sicily, perched on a rocky cliff above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is a charming beach town known for its beautifully restored mediaeval buildings

Bari – features a charming old town and a lovely coastal promenade

Most used slang words

Figo – similar to “cool” or “handsome,” often used to compliment someone’s appearance or style

Sbroccare – means to “freak out” or “lose it,” reflecting his passionate nature

Che tamarro – someone with flashy, tacky taste

Gufare – to jinx something or bring bad luck.

Sgasare – to accelerate quickly (usually with a car or motorbike).

Most used slurs

Cazzone – term meaning “big idiot,” used to describe someone who is perceived as quite foolish

Imbecille – means “imbecile,” used to express that someone is not very smart

Merda – literally means “shit,” used to express frustration or anger

Testa di cazzo – meaning “dickhead” (very strong, derogatory term)

Vaffanculo – a strong expression meaning “fuck off” or “go to hell,” often used when someone is extremely irritated

Representatives phrases

Essere se stessi è il vero successo [ being oneself is true success ] reason: emphasizes authenticity

Il tempo vola quando ci si diverte [ time flies when you’re having fun ] reason: reflects his enjoyment of life and creativity

La bellezza è negli occhi di chi guarda [ beauty is in the eye of the beholder ] reason: highlights his appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Favorite idioms

L’abito non fa il monaco [ the habit doesn’t make the monk ] meaning: appearances can be deceiving

Prendere due piccioni con una fava [ to catch two pigeons with one bean ] meaning: to achieve two goals with one action

Essere al settimo cielo [ to be in the seventh heaven ] meaning: to be extremely happy

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