𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚍 | 𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚗𝚕𝚒𝚡

𝓽𝓮𝓷

The next day was slow. Hyunjin would snap every time I did or said one little thing, then apologize profusely afterward. Despite the tension, we managed to have a few moments of genuine laughter and connection throughout the day. However, I couldn't shake off the lingering uncertainty about our relationship.

Did I still hate him?

"Felix, open up," Hyunjin said, pushing a spoonful of soup into my mouth. I swallowed it reluctantly. "I can feed myself, Hyunjin," I muttered, my voice laced with irritation. Hyunjin sighed and set the spoon down, his eyes filled with concern. "I know you can, but I just want to take care of you right now," he said softly. His words were sincere, but a part of me couldn't help but wonder if it was too little, too late.

"Okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, before swallowing another spoonful. Silence hung heavily in the air. He stared at me, but it wasn't like how he did the first time we met. There was something else lingering in his gaze now.

"Are your freckles real?" He asked out of the blue, his hand just hovering over my cheek. I frown. I never liked my freckles, and his question caught me off guard. "Yeah... yes, they're real," I reply with a hint of uncertainty in my voice.

His hand gently brushed against my cheek, tracing the outline of a few freckles. "I think they're cute," he said softly. I freeze. His words caught me by surprise, and I could feel my cheeks flushing. Did he really mean it? Hyunjin snaps me back to reality.

"Felix?" I turn my head towards Hyunjin, still feeling a bit dazed. "Mm?" I respond, my voice slightly shaky.

"You never told me what happened to you." I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "It's... complicated," I finally admit, avoiding eye contact. "There are things I haven't been ready to talk about." Hyunjin nods understandingly, his expression filled with concern. "Whenever you're ready, I'm here to listen," he assures me gently.

My eyes wander around the room, avoiding Hyunjin's gaze. Memories of the past flood my mind, causing a lump to form in my throat. Tears threaten to spill over, but I quickly blink them away.

"Are you okay, Lix?" Hyunjin asks softly, his voice filled with genuine worry. I take a deep breath, summoning the courage to open up. "I'm just scared of what you'll think of me once you know," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I won't judge you," he reassures me, his eyes filled with empathy. I lower my head and let out a shaky sigh. "I was raped," I admit, my voice quivering with vulnerability. The weight of my confession hangs heavy in the air, but Hyunjin remains silent, his expression a mix of shock and concern.

"Shit, I shouldn't have said that," I blurt out, immediately regretting my words. The room falls into an uncomfortable silence as I anxiously wait for Hyunjin's response, fearing that I may have crossed a line by sharing such a personal and sensitive experience.

He pulls me into a tight embrace, his arms providing a sense of comfort and safety. "I'm so sorry that happened to you," he whispers. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you to go through that. Please know that I'm here for you, and if you ever want to talk about it or need any support, I'm always ready to listen." A tear runs down my cheek as I pull him even closer to me. I rest my head on his shoulder, sniffling.

"Are you finished with your soup?"

I nod, still feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I'm lucky to have you in my life," I whisper. And then I pause. Did I really just say that? Did I just admit my feelings for him? The realization hits me like a wave. I quickly tried to regain my composure, hoping he didn't catch on to what I just revealed. But as I look into his eyes, I see a flicker of understanding. A mix of emotions crosses his face, and for a moment, it feels like time stands still.

"No, you're not. I was a jerk."

"People change," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I see the person you've become."

"Let's watch a movie." He suggests breaking the tension in the air. I nod, grateful for the distraction and the chance to collect my thoughts. He holds my hand, pulling me over to the couch, where we both settle in comfortably next to one another.

The movie starts playing, but neither of us really pays attention to it. Instead, it's quiet, and the air is thick with unspoken words. I steal glances at him, trying to decipher the thoughts swirling in his eyes. Hyunjin locks eyes with me and a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he places a hand on my leg.

I turn to face him. "Thank you for being here." He squeezes my leg gently and replies, "I'm all yours. Not going anywhere. Thank you for having me," he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity, leaning in closer to me.

"Can I kiss you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling the anticipation building between us. Hyunjin's smile widens as he nods, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet in a gentle and passionate kiss, igniting a spark that sends shivers down my spine.

I break the kiss. "I'm sorry, are you sure I-?"

A pair of lips smash against mine, cutting me off.

This was nothing like the wedding kiss. It was filled with raw desire, passion, and a hunger that I had never experienced before. It was euphoric.

"I'm sure." Hyunjin's voice is filled with conviction as he pulls me closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life," he whispers before our lips meet again in a fiery embrace.

"Can we stop pretending in front of cameras? I don't want to play pretend anymore. I want to be with you openly and authentically," Hyunjin confesses, pausing for air.

I nod and pull him closer to me, our lips locking in a gentle kiss.

"Okay. No more playing pretend. Just real." 

This turned out a lot shorter than I was anticipating but thank you all for reading! <3