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"oh, your home early?" Felix's voice resonated in the hollow of their apartment as he closed the door behind him and sat the paper bag in his hand on the kitchen counter, proceeding to take off his shoes and hat "Where have you been? why weren't you answering your phone? I left in the middle of work to check up on you and you weren't here either, I even called that Chan guy to ask him if you were at the hospital he said yes you were but you're not here anymore what happened Why were you at the hospital? are you hurt?" Hyunjin's endless train of words amused Felix as he stood still staring at the boy who kept ranting while he walked toward him, cupping his face and kissing his forehead
"Are you okay, Lix? his voice lilted with apprehension as he pushed back Felix's hair making him bat his eyelashes in utter confusion "I-- I'm okay, completely fine. I was at the hospital because Chan Hyung wanted to do my usual checkups and then after that, I was with Yeonjun...to make up for ditching his party we grabbed brunch" Felix explained taking Hyunjin's hand in his own, and pecking his knuckles to comfort him "I'm sorry I worried you so much" Hyunjin sighed in relief "No don't be, I'm sorry I overreacted" Felix shook his head "no you didn't, you're allowed to be worried" the two shared a soft smile before Hyunjin spoke again "why weren't you answering your phone?" he asked, stepping back and returning Felix his personal space that he had invaded
"I forgot it at home" Hyunjin nodded, licking his lips "Oh, and I brought you these" A bright smile made its way over Felix's lips as he pushed the paper bag into Hyunjin's hands "What is it?" the taller asked looking down at the bag that filled his nostrils with a sweet scent "vanilla and chocolate muffins and pastries, you like them right?" he could see the other's face light up as he looked at Felix "really? thank you!" he chuckled at the sweet reaction from the other
"Well, I better hurry back to work or that stupid annoying redhead will give me extra work" Hyunjin rolled his eyes making Felix gasp, dramatically and satirically of course "She does that?!" he asked as if completely blown away "Yes! if I get there late or something she'd purposefully make my life a live hell" Felix rolled his eyes "I'm sure you're twisting the narrative" It was Hyunjin's turn to unleash his drama queen as he gasped loudly, and whenever she was unleashed, so was hell "You...you trust that boy-sacrificing blood-drinking girl more than me...your own-" '-boyfriend, no! not boyfriend Hyunjin! you're not his boyfriend' he shut his mouth quickly as Felix cocked a brow at him, stepping closer to him with a playful look on his face
"my own what?" he asked, indeed the freckled male didn't have what Hyunjin had on his mind but boy did it make Hyunjin's stomach twist as he stammered over his words "I uh...your own-" yea well, Hyunjin was an idiot but we all know that by now "my stranger with secrets or my own walking circus?" he asked tying his hands behind his back as Hyunjin's lips cracked into a beautiful grin and his racing heart relaxed the slightest "I don't know, you tell me" he replied, shrugging his shoulders as if he was completely relaxed while his mind chanted 'I could be more than just that... if only you'd let me'
Felix giggled at his remarks, raising his hand to ruffle the boy's hair "You're adorable" his tone sounding as if he wasn't talking to Hyunjin but Nabi "Hey! Know your limits" Hyunjin glared at him, bumping into his shoulder purposefully and making the boy stumble insignificantly, yet despite the joke he made sure he didn't hit too hard and hurt the other as he walked over the door and put on his shoes, still grabbing onto the paper bag
"you're gonna take it with you?" the brunette asked, turning to look at Hyunjin who nodded making Felix smile and wave his hand at Hyunjin who smiled as well, waving back at the brunette boy whom he couldn't call his boyfriend.
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Hyunjin sat down tea in front of the boy, making him smile widely "Thank you, Jinnie" he beamed watching Hyunjin sit down beside him, throwing an arm over the headrest they stared into each other's eyes for a second before Felix spoke up "so you're not gonna go" Hyunjin knew that'll be brought up one way or another but he really didn't wanna talk about it, removing his gaze from Felix to the coffee table the boy shrugged his shoulders in response "okay" he answered, leaning over to grab his cup of tea "was she....sad?" the taller one questioned as Felix stopped blowing on his tea and looked at Hyunjin
"well...a little, she said that she knows you won't show up but I should try to convince you because if you don't then..." Felix was silent as he knitted his brows as if thinking of something while Hyunjin turned his head to look at him
"then?" he asked, raising his brows "I can't remember what she said...she said something about otters I remember" All of the colors from Hyunjin's face were drained "The otter won't be able to swim? Is that what she said?" he asked, gulping and praying it wasn't true, that she hadn't said it "yes! that" Felix's answer left him in shambles, as his eyes became hazy and his palms turned sweaty
'you're sprouting these ideas in his head huh?! you're telling him I hurt you as if I'm the bad guy! You're villanizing his own fucking father?' another loud smack and she was bleeding by now, lips completely bruised while blood dripped down from her nose, she looked up at her son who stood on the staircase, his little hands turned into fists while his eyes glazed with tears 'Hyunjin-ah...go to your room baby' she managed to utter before another sound of glass shattering was echoing in the large mansion, this time it was the alcohol bottle his father was drunk on. complying with his mother's demands the little boy ran up the stairs to hide underneath his bed, hiding until this nightmare was over and he would be safe again.
Felix's warm hand brought Hyunjin out of his trance, settled over his shoulder the brunette patted him gently making Hyunjin look at him with widened eyes as if he'd just seen a ghost "Hyunjin, are you okay?" his voice was soft, but it wasn't enough to silence the ones ringing in his ears as he dazed off again with his eyes on Felix and mouth hung ajar
'so, if I say the otters can't swim anymore that means daddy's real angry, okay Hyunjinnie? That means my little Hyunjinnie shouldn't question or disagree when daddy asks him to do something and be the good boy that he is' his mother ran a hand through his hair as he stared at her while she smiled with bruises all over her face 'will it mean he's hurting you?' his voice raw as he hiccupped, indicating how long he's been crying for. her smile fell before she faked it again 'Oh no--no honey...' but could she really lie at this point?
"We should go lix, I'll get ready-- we should go" Hyunjin sprung up for the couch slamming down his teacup on the coffee table as he made his way toward their shared bedroom leaving Felix completely perplexed, "What--Hyunjin" he too stood up and walked toward the room looking at Hyunjin who was anxiously marching toward the rack on which his mother had brought both of their designated outfits, he spoke his name once again but was disregarded as the ravenette rushed inside the bathroom yet again leaving Felix with unanswered questions
"what's going on with him?" the brunette spoke to the air and waited patiently for him to come, his own heart ringing against the stiff of his ribcage as he thought of all the possible reasons Hyunjin could be so apprehensive about. not too late Hyunjin came out of the bathroom, calmer than before but the furrow between his brows remained as he walked toward the dressing "get ready, Lix. we need to get there quick" Felix wanted to question, ask him what was going on and why he was behaving like that but he didn't bother, grabbing his suit from the rack he walked toward the bathroom with a shallow sigh
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"fuck" Hyunjin muttered lowly under his breath, groaning as he put his head in between his hands while Felix sighed "I've told you it's okay" he tried assuring him "no it's not, I shouldn't have dragged you here--you don't need to go through this torture" they were seated outside of the marvelous mansion of Hwangs as Hyunjin finally came back to his senses, realizing the grave mistake he's made in his trance of anxiousness "Hyunjin" the brunette crouched so he would meet the boy's height who was currently seated on the pavement losing his marbles
he cupped his face and forced him to look into his own eyes "I'm fine, I swear. besides, your mother invited me very generously it'd be rude of me to not come" he sat down on his knees, not worrying about dirtying his clothes as he ran a hand through Hyunjin raven hair and let them fall over his shoulders, squeezing them slightly as the raven head stared at him before sighing deeply "now let's go inside" Felix smiled softly as they both stood up from the ground and walked toward the entrance
numerous guards standing all around the mansion and it reminded Felix of some high-budget hollywood movie, anything regarding Hyunjin's family always appeard hollywood-esque to the boy and he didn't enjoy the feeling per-se. walking over to the porch and standing in front of the magnificent door Hyunjin hated so very much the two boys' steps came to a halt as Felix turned to look at the boy "We're fine, Jin-ah. trust me" Hyunjin sighed, listening to the brunette he always felt calm, holding tightly onto his hand the raven head tried to push away his raging fears
the guard pushed open the high gates for the two of them and they walked inside, Felix's heart fell to his stomach at all the eyes that looked at him, eyeing him up and down and he felt as though he was some meal thrown in a beast's cage. he felt nausea raising in the pit of his throat when they continued to walk--Hyunjin took the lead, of course, he walked with so much confidence and Felix couldn't help but wonder how alien he must be looking standing next to such a gallant man
"Oh my! look who's here" his mother's voice was sweet and cheerful as she pulled all of her friend's attention to the duo making Hyunjin grit his teeth, before she could hug him he held on to her arm, staring at her to make sure she was alright. a gentle smile made its way toward the woman's lips "I'm fine my dear, thank you so much for coming" She wanted to peck his forehead, pull him in her warm embrace or just pat his head as a mother would to her son but she knew she wasn't allowed to, she knew her son hated being touched
"Felix! My dear you look ghostly pale, are you okay?" was the first comment she made to the boy as she held his shoulder in worry, if the brunette thought he couldn't get any more insecure he was certainly wrong "Oh I-uh...Hello, Mrs. Hwang" he could answer her quest by explaining to her how he was basically dying but yea he decided that wasn't appropriate "Hyunjin-ah why don't you go greet the rest of the guests before we start the honors?" she raised her brows at her son, dismissing the crowd that gathered around them so they'll have more privacy
"no, and what honors?" he asked, holding tightly onto the brunette's hand and making sure he didn't feel left out or anxious "Well, the speech and all you know" she chuckled nervously, running a hand down her white mermaid dress that could not have hugged her divine figure any better. "there is no speech happening, I'm only here for roughly thirty minutes so tell that husband of yours I'm here because I'm not interested in seeing his face" with that being said Hyunjin dragged the two of them toward the couch that was settled in the near corner of the large living room and plopped down on it, it wasn't too far off nor too in the middle, just enough for him to hide
there was silence between them but it wasn't discomforting, the orchestral music was enough sound while they sat in each other's presence. the raven head pulled Felix's small hand in his lap and began drawing patterns on his palm, trying to pry off the dagger he could feel in his heart. and the gesture not only seemed to help him but the brunette as well who watched him draw invisible flowers and hearts on his palm with a relaxed expression on his face, too relaxed that he almost put his head on his shoulder forgetting that they were in a public--no a far too sophisticated and upper-crust public setting
"sorry" Felix mumbled under his breath quickly regaining his idea of reality as the other sighed not looking away from his canvas as he spoke gently "You can put your head on my shoulder, It's fine" Felix smiled at the other's carefreeness "it's inappropriate" Hyunjin turned to look at him with knitted brows "why?" Felix stayed silent for a second opening and closing his mouth a few times as he searched for the correct way to word it "Well, because it's--you shouldn't be doing that at an event like this" he tried his best to explain to Hyunjin who rolled his eyes turning back to what he was doing as he nonchalantly uttered "that's bullshit, we could be at a funeral and you can still kiss me I wouldn't mind"
to say Felix was flabbergasted would be an understatement, Hyunjin was driving him insane, and before he could even say anything a feminine voice interrupted them "Hyunjin!" at first, the raven head didn't look up, completely disdaining the fact that someone had called out his name. it wasn't until Felix uttered in his ear that the boy looked up with a bored expression on his face "What?" he questioned, Felix could feel the uncomfortableness just witnessing this very rude behavior of Hyunjin. he was aware of the fact that the boy was not a fan of humans but even then he could still be thrown off by his callous behavior
"why are you sitting here all alone, it's your graduation party! come on, let's go we'll have fun" Hyunjin stared at her in disbelief before he muttered, rather angrily "I'm not alone, use your eyes" With that he went back to drawing on the brunette's hand "Oh I...um" she looked over at Felix washing him with self-consciousness as a disgusted expression almost made it to her face before she quickly brushed it off with a smile "well yes, but still. we should go grab a drink or two, this old-people event is eating my soul" she chuckled lightly trying to make Hyunjin look at her but the raven head didn't even bother answering, busying himself in drawing a rabbit on Felix's palm
"Can you feel what I drew?" he asked cheekily with a sly smile on his face, Felix looked away from the girl to Hyunjin as he smiled back awkwardly before shaking his head "No" he sighed turning his eyes back to his palm "pay attention, I'll draw again" Felix's eyes fell on the girl again as he awkwardly switched glances between her and Hyunjin. much to his surprise she sat down on the small couch on Hyunjin's left watching the boy's fingers very attentively as she crossed her legs and rested her elbow on her knees, settling his pretty face in her hand
Felix watched her with something he couldn't understand brewing in his stomach, she was pretty--way too pretty, her lips were full and her eyes were doe, glittery, and shiny with the most perfect nose and most perfect face shape. her body went incredibly well with her face, her voice was sweet and gentle while her aura screamed of sophistication and grace and Felix couldn't help but think how much better she'd look with Hyunjin than him, how good they'll look together, like a prince and a princess, how they'd fit better than him and his awkward body and not-so-special face and idiotic personality and not to mention the grim reaper that walked hand in hand with him
"did you get it this time?" Hyunjin looked at him taking him out of his trance as he looked into the raven head's eyes with confusion, then understanding what he meant "Oh no- I um sorry" he muttered, too scared his voice would reach the perfect girl so he kept it low, not wanting to embarrass himself by letting her listen to his monstrous voice. the raven head clicked his tongue, resting his back against the backrest of the couch "A bunny!" she chimed as Hyunjin licked his lips looking at Felix with a smile
"got that, Cinderella?" the brunette nodded with a soft smile still dazed with his negative thoughts to really pay attention to the infamous nickname. "Woonyoungie, darling, you're still here?" Hyunjin's mother's voice came yet again catching Felix's and Wonyoung's attention while Hyunjin didn't bother looking up "Yes, Mrs. Hwang" she replied gracefully pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, the woman chuckled leaning over the couch as she whispered in Wonyoung's ear "you can call me mother" the girl giggled shyly at her comment
"what are we doing here?" she looked up, her question seemingly directed at the two of them but her eyes were stilled at Hyunjin who paid no mind to her "Hyunjin?" she called out his name, waiting for a response but only silence came before she sighed and straightened her back eyes faltering over at Felix before they eventually dawned over Wonyoung as if sharing a chat before she slid back her hair gracefully smiling again "well, Wonyoung will you keep my Hyunjin some company here while I steal Felix for a second, I need-" before she could finish her sentence Hyunjin had already looked up at her and began speaking
"What do you want from Felix?" he raised his brows in a questioning manner "I need to show him something" she smiled widely preening over at Felix "Will you come with me, son?" she motioned her hand toward Felix who awkwardly dodged his gazes between the mother-son duo unable to think of what his answer should be. but he can't deny her, right? that'd be rude and god forbid he ever hurts someone's feelings "S-sure" he hesitated, standing up from the couch and freeing his hand from Hyunjin's grip "Then I'll come too" Hyunjin stood up as well making the woman's smile fall from her face
"No! I mean...you stay here I just need Felix for a second" Hyunjin was highly skeptical, what could his mother need Felix for "What do you want to show him anyway?" he quested hand running to hold Felix's once again, though his mother might've not noticed the act Wonyoung sure did eyeing the two of them and their close intimacy "Oh my god Hyunjin serious-" "It's okay Hyun, I'm fine" Felix's free hand was placed on the boy's bicep as he turned to look at him "what if something happens?" his voice was low and Felix knew what he meant by it
"he's not a child, I'm not sending him to war I have to show him something real quick" She smiled at her own joke trying her best to convince Hyunjin who sighed when Felix light-pressed weight on his bicep before patting it "I'll go with her, you stay here and don't be rude" the brunette passed his statement in a whisper as he squeezed Hyunjin's hand before ultimately walking off with the woman
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"Alright, we're here. that was a long journey" she chucked turning to look at Felix who nodded, looking around to understand why they had climbed countless sets of stairs to be in the room that appeared like any other room would in this mansion. he didn't question her when she led the two of them inside. "you lounge here, I'll be back in a second. my husband's calling me" She smiled sweetly at him while Felix reluctantly sat down on the bed awkwardly watching her leave the room and close the door behind
"Okay," he murmured to no one in particular as he once again glanced around the room trying to grasp the motive of Hyunjin's mother. taking in the plain white walls and the large window that was right next to a balcony door, a washroom door and a closet, and a decently sized bed and couch with a dresser. it appeared to be a guest room and Felix couldn't fathom what in this room was so special that the woman had brought him there, what did she need to show him? before Felix's thoughts could run again his mobile phone chimed as he slid his thumb across the screen and read the text message
'where are you?'
he smiled softly at Hyunjin's worrisome as he typed out his response 'In a room, your mother left promptly to speak to her husband' It appeared as though Hyunjin had been waiting for his reply because the second he pressed sent the taller had read it already 'what room?' Felix shook his head at the other's fret 'I don't know, but please don't worry about me I'm fine. I'll tell you if anything happens' he typed out and waited for Hyunjin's response once he received it his smile turned bright 'Okay, I'll take your word for it♡'
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Hyunjin's leg shook impatiently as he stared at the ground waiting for it to open wide so he can run away or bury himself in it, being all alone with Wonyoung in this room was making him wish he was never born. he sighed out loud as he remained silent while the other girl continued talking shifting closer and closer to him despite being seated on an entirely different couch, they were seated on the exceptionally large balcony of one of their guest rooms because Wonyoung felt 'sick' in the crowd and Hyunjin's father had directed them to this room
he wanted to disagree, say no, or even throw a tantrum but the eyes his mother showed him reminded him a little too much of when he was little, so all he could do now was sit and listen to her blabber non-stop about things he didn't care enough to pay attention to while he waited for Felix to come back to him 'what could she had wanted to show him?' he wondered in his head taking notice of the fact that it had been long enough since Felix and he had texted and worry was starting to rise in the pit of his stomach
he was about to take out his phone and text Felix again to ask him what was happening before he realized his father had taken it away from him, the man was really taking advantage of Hyunjin's calm. he licked his lips shuffling in the seat before a hand rested on his thigh, warm and intimate caressing the fabric of his suit pants "Is everything okay, Hyun?" her voice sickeningly sweet as Hyunjin turned toward her at the speed of lightning and swatted away her hand "do not ever call me that" he glared at her with eyes so dark she nearly stopped breathing
how was he this attractive even when angry? she wondered in her mind a smirk making its way to her glossy plump lips "I'm sorry, it didn't seem to be a problem when he called you that. fine, I'll call you something else...Hyunjinie?" she smiled brightly, raising her brows and revealing her glittery doe eyes as he gritted his teeth "that's because you're not him" his blood was boiling and he genuinely didn't care about the consequences of him behaving this way with Wonyoung, surely his father would be raging but he couldn't pretend anymore and tolerate this
he jolted up from the seat and began making his way out of the room. yet his steps weren't quick enough, he hadn't been quick enough to prevent the catastrophe that had fallen upon them
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panic rose in the pit of Felix's stomach when he turned the door knob numerous times, his attempts all failing as he tried his best to open the door somehow. breath shaking and heart drumming the boy pushed back the hair that fell on his eyes and called Hyunjin for the nth time, he felt like throwing up, the room was dark and he couldn't switch on the lights. his hands began shaking and so have his legs, he felt like he was being suffocated by some force wrapping around his lungs
he didn't know what exactly he was fearing so much, he was overwhelmed and couldn't think straight, eyes beginning to tear up as he banged his palms flat against the wooden door attempting to break free form the darkened chasm. he turned to look around the room and then back at the door repeating the procession numerous times as if he was trying to find something in the darkness of the room that didn't exist
"Where is he?! What do you mean you forgot about him? how can you fucking-"
he didn't feel his legs anymore, his heart was too fast for his senses to keep up with and his entire body blazed as he called out Hyunjin's name repeatedly, wishing he'd appear from thin air or some magical spell. it seemed like the room was getting darker and darker as each second passed by and his breath was getting shallower, what was happening to him?
each step Hyunjin took felt like ages to slip, his breath banging against the cage of his chest as he called out his beloved's name under his breath consistently, feeling sweat brim at the start of his forehead and fall down the sides of his brows
"Hyunjin, please" he sobbed out falling to his knees as he slipped down the side of the wall, too weak to hold up his weight anymore as the dark crawled over his abdomen, the shadow reaching higher and higher to his torso as he shut his eyes tight and waited for a miracle to appear in Hyunjin's face, and before the shadows of his mind could swallow him whole and drag him into hell with them the door swung open.
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el o el, thoughts?