Shining Star//Dimming Light (VOL.2) (Felix X SKZ ONE-SHOTS)

Love From the Shadows (MingLix)

It felt incredibly wrong. Mingi couldn't help but feel like it was similar to buying cattle from the market, and he hated it – but he certainly wasn't as vocal as Wooyoung about it.

"It's not fair," huffed Wooyoung, crossing his arms over his chest. "You should get to marry for love, not for this. What if they're horrible people? What if they're mean or outright assholes or—"

"Woo, I love you, I really do – but shut up," snapped San, tightening the sash around his waist with a scowl. "As far as I'm aware, you're not the one being forced to get married before the end of the week, so kindly keep your mouth shut, will you?"

Wooyoung deflated a bit at that. "Sorry. I'm just... I wish things could be different."

"We all do," assured Hongjoong, patting his shoulder in support. "But it's too late to back out now. The Nobles will be here soon – we should ready ourselves."

"From here on out, this will be their home, too," cut in Seonghwa, his voice soft, but firm as he glanced at all of his brothers. "It cannot be easy, to be uprooted of the sort and forced to live in an entirely different kingdom with people they don't even know. Let us make them feel welcome and try our best to soften their transition."

At that, everyone's tempers mellowed out a bit. Though they were all displeased by this unexpected turn of events, they somehow doubted the three Nobles were any happier about it. Plus, they were the ones forced to leave their homeland, their families, and their friends behind – so, in a way, they really had it worst.

Mingi sighed as he straightened up, adjusting his hanbok. This would undoubtedly be difficult for everyone, but he sincerely hoped he would be able to become friends with whoever his future husband turned out to be, at the very least. If they could only get along, then it would certainly make things a little easier.

And if they couldn't manage that... well, he was certainly in for a long life.

.

Felix heaved out a shaky breath as Hyunjin tenderly readjusted the veil over his face, having just finished helping him freshen up (red-rimmed, puffy eyes were not really attractive). The three of them had been escorted to a small room, only being told they had about an hour to prepare before someone would come to fetch them. 

Hyunjin had spent that time gently cleaning Felix's face before doing his hair. His own had been cut quite short a few weeks back, and he missed the feeling of braiding hair, so Felix was more than willing to indulge him, taking comfort in the attention. Minho had also joined them at some point, holding Felix's hand without saying a word.

A silent apology, one Felix was quick to return by squeezing his hand in return.

And now, a servant had come knocking at their door, meaning it was time to go and meet their Fate. Holding his best friends' hands tightly, Felix allowed them to tug him outside as the three fell in step with the woman servant and the four guards accompanying her, anxiety beating like a second heart under his skin.

The numerous bracelets and necklaces they were wearing clinked together as they walked, the golden chains tied around their waists reflecting the light of the beautiful paper lanterns attached to the columns they passed by. Felix couldn't help but shiver as cold air met his exposed skin, the traditional dancer's outfit he'd been forced to adorn in addition to the sheer fabric it was made of not doing much to keep him warm.

They finally stopped in front of two gigantic doors, the guards going to stand on each side of the hallway while the servant went ahead to announce their arrival. Felix could feel his hands shaking, the lump in his throat making it hard to breathe.