How To Avoid Doom Flags? : A Guide By Lee Felix

Eleventh Flag - Don't Get Taken As A Hostage

"We need to hurry—"

"Look, I don't really know why you were arrested, but I can tell that you're not a bad person and that's why I'm not going to try and stop you from escaping," cut Felix, stubbornly digging his heels into the ground before Wooyoung could start running again. "But I work here. I live here. I'm not going with you."

"Felix, you just killed two soldiers for the sake of a Baekje spy – that most certainly qualifies as high treason here," retorted Wooyoung, worriedly looking around to ensure they hadn't been spotted yet. "If you stay here, you're the one who'll end up behind bars, or worse – executed."

"If I run away now, then I'll be admitting to a crime I didn't commit," retorted Felix, shaking his head. "I may have killed those soldiers, but they- they were the ones in the wrong. And I have good friends here, they'll understand, they—"

"Felix!!!"

In that very instant, Felix didn't know what surprised him the most – Hyunjin suddenly appearing around the corner, or Wooyoung pulling him against his chest and pushing Felix's own sword against his throat.

"Woo- Wooyoung!" gasped Felix, stiff as he felt the sharp blade now kissing his throat. "What are you doing!?"

"I'm sorry, but I have a pack waiting for my safe return," replied Wooyoung, gritting his teeth. "Don't take another step, Prince! Or I'll kill him!"

"Release him this instant, and I might just consider sparing your life!" snapped Hyunjin, though he didn't dare move an inch.

"Let me go and no one will get hurt," replied simply Wooyoung.

How could the situation escalate so dramatically!?

"It's okay," Felix called out to Hyunjin, trying his best to remain calm – despite his current position, he still felt safe, and he knew Wooyoung had no intention of actually hurting him. "Just- just do as he says, okay? I'll be fine."

"Felix..."

Though hesitant, Hyunjin finally relented and lowered his sword. He was obviously displeased, and worried, but he gestured for Wooyoung to get going, pointing in a specific direction.

"If you follow this wall, you'll find a tree, in which is hidden a rope – you can use it to climb over the wall and escape into the city."

At that, Wooyoung grinned wryly. "Yeah, I know. How'd you think I got in?"

The anger in Hyunjin's only grew, but Felix begged the Prince not to make a move and simply trust him – the last thing he wanted was for anyone else to get hurt and if it meant serving as a hostage, then so be it. Thankfully, Hyunjin got the silent message and nodded stiffly.

"You have ten minutes. If you're not gone by then, then that's your problem." For a brief moment, his eyes flashed red. "And if you dare hurt Felix—"

"I won't." Wooyoung straightened up, his grip on Felix loosening just the slightest bit. "I owe him my life. This is merely insurance – as soon as I'm gone, we'll never see each other again."

Felix offered Hyunjin a smile that was hopefully reassuring and, seemingly placated, Hyunjin nodded. After another moment, Wooyoung finally began walking backward, dragging Felix along, and still holding the blade to his throat. Soon enough, they rounded the building, and Hyunjin disappeared from sight. They waited for a few seconds and, once certain the Prince wasn't following them, Wooyoung immediately picked up the pace. He still had a tight grip on Felix's arm, but he'd lowered the sword almost entirely – it was mostly for show in case any soldiers stumbled upon them.

They eventually entered the domain of the Rising Moon Palace and, soon enough, they reached the given spot on the wall where Felix distinctly remembered climbing over in order to sneak into the city, many weeks ago. Had Wooyoung followed them, back then? His fellow Omega released him and promptly went to fetch the rope, hidden exactly where Hyunjin mentioned it. It didn't take long for Wooyoung to secure the rope and, at last, it was time to say goodbye.

"Be careful, alright?" softly urged Felix. "Return to your pack safely."

Wooyoung offered him a smile, along with his sword back. "I will. I'm terribly sorry for the position I've put you into... but thank you, for helping me."

Felix shrugged, unsure if being thanked for killing people and unwittingly acting as a hostage was exactly appropriate. Without warning, though, Wooyoung suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips against Felix's. The kiss barely lasted a second, but it was more than enough to leave Felix extremely flustered.

"What- what was that for!?"

Wooyoung grinned. "A promise. If you ever find yourself in need of anything, come to Baekje. I'll be there to welcome you with open arms."

Before Felix could reply, he suddenly ran toward the wall and, using the rope, he quickly climbed over it before promptly dropping on the other side. Silence took over the gardens as the rope swayed in the nightly breeze, and Felix stood there for a moment, trying to process everything that had just happened.

One thought refused to leave his frazzled mind, however.

I'm gonna get in a lot of trouble for this, aren't I?

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Alright, we've officially entered the second half of the story! I apologize for the slow updates, I know you guys got used to me literally updating every single day, but I really pour a lot of time and effort into this story, and with life picking up the pace, it's become a little harder to write as much as I'd like.

Thank you guys for your continued patience and support, I really appreciate your comments too, they really encourage me to keep going. Hope you guys enjoyed - and yes, Ateez is finally in the building xD