The Lovers Muse

The Artists Awakening

Welcome to the rewriting of For Felix With Fire. I hope you all enjoy this story! Let me know your thoughts! Also- mini announcement- minsung and matz will get their own spinoff series from this as long as this fic does well. You can also find this fic on AO3.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Chapter One

The Artistic Awakening

Cherry blossom branches bowed from the strong wind, rain pouring against the windows and creating puddles in the street. Stray cherry blossom petals landed on the puddles, adding a strange beauty to the dreary day. Hyunjin brushed his bangs from his eyes and took the hair tie on his wrist, carefully tying his shoulder length black hair back into a ponytail. He took sighed, leaning against the counter of the cafe, and stared at the clock. The endless 'tik- tik- tik' threatened to drive him mad and it took all of his self-control to not count the minutes until his shift ended.

The rain had driven all of his usual customers away and left the cafe feeling empty, the silence leaving him with his thoughts and well- that was never a good thing. Whenever he had a moment of peace his thoughts always went to one place.. One person.

"I see you're lost in thought, again."

Hongjoong's teasing voice made Hyunjin jolt, straightening immediately and feeling his cheeks burn with embarrassment. He smoothed his apron and gave an awkward smile. His friend watching him and raising an eyebrow, clearly waiting for an answer.

"Sorry, I just- I guess I zoned out. I'll get back to cleaning."

Hyunjin reached for the rag that he had left on the counter but Hongjoong waved him off.

"No need. It looks like we will have to close early because of the weather. I'll close up and you can head home. I know you have your special someone waiting for you..." He trailed off, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Hyunjin took off his apron and tossed it at Hongjoong who caught it with ease. He rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what Hongjoong was hinting at. After two years of friendship Hongjoong knows him a bit too well, though Hyunjin couldn't help but be embarrassed each time his interests were mentioned.

"I just- I just want to make sure I don't get spoilers before I can watch the new episode.. Those editors on TikTok are way too fast."

"Whatever you say, man. Oh- the assignment is due tomorrow, don't forget like last time."

Hyunjin nodded quickly and checked his old iPhone, the screen lighting up even though the cracks made it difficult to see the time. Hyunjin didn't have enough money to replace it and, though he would occasionally cut his fingers on the broken glass, the phone worked just fine.

"I won't forget! I already have the sketch ready."

The lie came out with ease, one he had told many times before. Between his job and his classes there was barely any time for him to finish his assignments. This lead to late nights that were fueled by coffee, energy drinks, and the drive for him to succeed and pass his classes. Hongjoong likely knew that what he said wasn't fully true. The bags under Hyunjin's eyes weren't exactly difficult to notice and even the heaviest concealer didn't cover them fully. Hyunjin had taken to using eyeliner to try and at least distract from them.

Hongjoong simply shook his head, holding back the scolding that Hyunjin already knew he would get from Seonghwa once he got to class in the morning. Hongjoong told Seonghwa everything and Hyunjin knew that, though Seonghwa didn't spill any of his secrets, Seonghwa would never hide anything important from Hongjoong. Those two had been glued to each other ever since high school and most of their friends took to referring to them as the "parents" of the group. It had gotten to the point that while they were still in school people had made ship accounts for them on twitter, affectionately labeling them as Matz. No one knew their exact relationship status, but Hyunjin had caught Hongjoong staying over with Hwa one too many times for it to be a friendly sleep over. Especially if the condoms that were poorly hidden in the trash were anything to go by.