Archive of Our Own

Felix was ten years old when he learned about the Red Thread. It was when one of his older cousins got married and they mentioned it when they exchanged their vows that one hot summer day. Felix had remembered that particular day because being baked alive in a three-piece suit during an Australian summer etched itself into his memory. He tried to forget the agony of the heat and the boredom while he held the pillow where the rings of the bride and groom were, so he forced himself to listen to the vows.

He remembered what his cousin, Jennifer, had said;

“Ethan, you have no idea how happy I was when I saw our threads light up in the dark when my car broke down in the middle of the night and you came to help me.”

When they got back to the hotel room with his family, Felix let the question drop and innocently voiced out his thoughts;

“Mom, what’s the Red Thread?”

His mother and father and even his older sister had looked at him with wide eyes, surprised by the sudden question. When the grownups (yes, he even considered his big sister a grown up) looked at each other, Felix decided to add helpfully.

“I heard Jenny say it at the wedding.”

“Oh,” His mother had hummed, and she walked to Felix to help him out of his coat jacket before he loosened his crooked tie. “Well, honey, the Red Thread is an invisible string tied to your finger and the other end is tied to the finger of your soulmate.”

After he had shucked off his jacket, Felix looked down at his small hands and frowned. “I don’t see anything, mom. Do you?”

“You can only see yours and your soulmate’s but not other people’s.” His dad replied this time while his older sister, plopped down on one of the stools on the small dining table. “You’ll see yours eventually. Maybe it hasn’t come out yet because you’re still very young.”

“Will I marry my soulmate too?” Felix asked then glared at his older sister who made a gagging sound followed by a burst of giggles. “Shut up, Viv!” He then turned to his parents and pouted when Vivian just continued to laugh.

“Not necessarily, Felix,” His mother stood up to go to the fridge and take out bottles of water for the family. They were all tired after that long day. “A soulmate is someone who is…” She paused as she closed the fridge door. “How do I put this? A soulmate is your other half, someone who makes you want to be a better person. In your cousin’s case, I think she and Ethan started out as friends when they first discovered that they were soulmates and eventually, they fell in love and decided to get married. It can be a very dear friend or a girlfriend.” She winked at him and Felix frowned.

“Oh, ew, Felix’s girlfrieeend,” Viv sang teasingly, and Felix stared daggers at her. “I hope you don’t get cooties when you kiss her.”

“Dad, make her stoooop!” Felix whined at their dad, desperate to have someone on his side because Vivian was getting really annoying and Felix is a bit of a spoil-sport when it came to his sister’s teasing. Besides, he didn’t like any of his girl classmates.

“You kids cut it out and wash up.” Their mother sighed. “If you don’t hurry, we’ll miss the dinner buffet.”

Vivian quickly jumped up to her feet, but Felix was faster than his sister and dashed to the bathroom, slamming the door on his sister’s face as payback for her teasing.

Felix was fifteen when he noticed a slightly tingling on his right ring finger and when he looked down, he bit back a surprised scream that caught the teacher’s attention because he was in the middle of algebra class when his string appeared.

“Felix?” Mr. Gregory arched a stern brow at him. “Is there something you want to share with the class?”

“No, sir,” Felix quickly shook his head. “U-uhm,” his gaze quickly fell to stare at his desk where his notebook and pen were so that he can avoid his classmates’ looks. “may I be excused to go to the nurse’s office, please?”

“Are you sick?” Mr. Gregory asked with concern while he placed the chalk back into the box.

“I just feel dizzy,” Felix quickly made up the excuse.

“Okay, Aubrey,” Mr. Gregory regarded the president of the class. “could you go with Felix?”

“It’s okay, I can go myself, sir.” Felix quickly got up to his feet, sneakers squeaking on the marble floor while he hurriedly went to the front to grab the hall pass that Mr. Gregory handed to him.

“Have the nurse call your parents if you need to go him, Lee.”

“Yessir.”

Instead of going to the nurse’s office (which was obviously a big fat lie), Felix quickly made a beeline to the back of the school where the gym was and slipped into the backdoor. Thankfully, there wasn’t a PE class going on and the court was empty. Felix hid behind one of the bleachers and sat at the bottom, crossing his legs underneath him.

Pulling up his right hand, he stared at the faint string that was around the base of his ring finger. It looked translucent but when he touched it, it was very much solid. The color reminded him of the threads he saw whenever his mother sewed to mend the holes on his clothes. On one side, there was a short extension of the string that waved with an invisible force before it faded into nothing. It sort of reminded Felix of a frayed ribbon.

Thoughts assaulted his mind; did his soulmate get their string today too? What was their name? Were they a classmate? Felix wondered that they were like. Will he end up falling in love and marrying them like his cousin did five years ago? Because if he will, he hoped to god that they weren’t a girl because he can’t just see himself doing it. Maybe they can end up as good friends.

Experimentally, Felix moved his finger towards him. At first, nothing happened but then his heart slammed against his ribs when he felt something tug on his finger as if his soulmate was moving their own finger on the other side.

They were there! Oh my gosh!

Felix moved his finger again four times with a quick pause in between two consecutive tugs and he felt a similar response from the other side. He felt giddy, it was like Morse code except he didn’t know how to read or even send that; he was just randomly tugging in beats and getting similar responses.

“Hello?” Carefully, Felix whispered. Maybe they could hear him? “What’s your name?”

Silence.

He frowned. Well, it seems that it didn’t work that way, but Felix can get responses from the other end of the string with tugs. Maybe he and his soulmate can work out their own way of communication. The problem was, how do they establish that?

Felix just shook his head at his own question; this was going to be that special person in his life, right? Surely, he and his soulmate can work something out.

Over the next few months, Felix and his soulmate developed some sort of vague communication. Whenever there was movement, it was mirrored on the other end. Felix usually tugged once in the morning that meant ‘good morning’ and three times before bed which meant ‘good night’ and the ones throughout the day were random. It was during his mornings and nights that were consistent. Felix had no idea if his soulmate understood what it meant but it felt comforting to Felix that he felt his soulmate even during times when he was alone.

A few months into getting his string, Felix discovered something one day.

It happened during December, five days before Christmas. Felix was in his room scrolling through his phone while looking at cinnamon brownie recipes when there was a sudden tug on his string. Just one, but it got Felix’s attention. He lowered his phone on his lap and mirrored the movement and tugged once.

Suddenly, a cold wave shot up his right arm and engulfed him, as if someone dumped a bucket of ice water on him. Felix checked the temperature of his air conditioning and saw that the it was just turned down enough that it fought off the heat outside. This one felt really cold, so cold that Felix shivered.

What the hell was that? There was another tug and Felix felt concerned.

But the thing was, he wasn’t supposed to feel concerned because he felt confused. It was as if the emotion wasn’t his but then the sensation disappeared just as quickly as if it wasn’t there in the first place.

What the fuck just happened?

Oh my god.

Did this mean that he could feel his soulmates’ feelings? Judging by how quickly the feeling disappeared, it seems that it was only slivers.

Breathing hard at the shock, Felix quickly googled if it was possible to feel what your soulmate was feeling. The result was it differs per pair, but it was possible since there are soulmates that felt what their other half was feeling.

“Oh my god,” Felix breathed and laid on his bed, staring at the faint green glow in the dark stars on his ceiling. “What was that cold…?”

Then, something clicked.

It was December right now and it was winter on some parts of the world. The cold Felix felt just a little while ago wasn’t something normal in Australian Decembers, which meant… it’s possible that his soulmate wasn’t from Australia, unless they decided to do the ice bucket challenge.

“Where are you?” Felix brought his hand up and stared at the translucent red on his ring finger. “What’s your name?”

Felix tugged twice and surely enough, someone tugged twice on the other end which brought a smile to his lips.

On his senior year of high school, Felix got an offer to study in Seoul University with his chosen major on a fifty percent scholarship. Felix was a bright kid that was why he was one of the three students in his graduating class that got an offer. It made his family proud and they were one hundred percent supportive when Felix decided to take up dance with a minor in psychology in Seoul U.

The day of his flight had especially been difficult because Felix was going to go on his own to a foreign country. He had visited South Korea with his family several times in the past when he was a kid, but they only went for vacation. Armed with courage, his family’s words of support, and a limited arsenal of Korean vocabulary, Felix hugged his parents and sister tightly, bid them goodbye and walked past the velvet ropes where the boarding passengers were supposed to wait.

The plane ride was miserable. The person who sat beside Felix snored loudly and he could hear them even when the music in his airpods were turned up. He stared at the endless ocean and clouds outside the window. It was afternoon in Australia right now but Felix already felt completely drained so he reclined his chair back enough that it didn’t bother the person behind him and he lowered the blinds on the oval window to block out the sun. As Felix closed his eyes and his emotional exhaustion caught up with him, he was pulled into an uncomfortable slumber.

As the plane flew towards the direction of South Korea, the translucent ring around the base of his ring finger became more solid in color.

After Felix rested at a hotel for three days so that he can adjust his body clock and work past the jet lag, he now stood in front of the door of his new dorm. On the door was a polished plaque that read 1428 and a keycard slot that also had a number pad. When Felix studied the device more, he noticed the small lens of a camera. Wow, South Korea sure was techy.

Gathering his courage, Felix made sure to remind himself of his manners since things were done differently here than what he was used to in Australia. His parents didn’t fail to teach him Korean etiquette since, basically, they are still Korean even if they lived in Australia now. With one deep breath, he rang the buzzer and waited for his new roommate to open the door.

There was a moment of silence before a voice sounded on the small speaker under the camera lens on the side of the door.

“Are you the new guy?” The voice asked in Korean and Felix looked straight at the camera with a polite smile.

“Yes, that’s me.” He said.

There was a soft beep and the door opened to reveal a rather handsome guy. His dark brown hair fell over his forehead enough to brush his long dark lashes and just… wow… Felix felt his cheeks heat up, speechless at the sight of his hot roommate.

Felix bowed and the guy mirrored it, but his bow wasn’t as deep as Felix’s. “Hello, I’m Felix Lee.”

The guy arched a curious brow at Felix, and he felt himself flush harder. Shit, did he do the introduction wrong? Did do some to make a bad first impression?

“You’re not from here, are you?” The guy asked and Felix shook his head, keeping up the polite smile.

“No, I was born and raised in Australia, actually.” He replied, slightly stumbling on his Korean. “I came here for university.”

“Ah, that explains it,” The guy smiled. “I’m Lee Minho, a sophomore. I study dance with a minor in computer science.”

“Oh!” Felix’s eyes lit up. “I’m in the dance program too!” When he caught himself being too loud and excited, he dipped his head apologetically. “I mean, uhm, yeah, I major in dance too and minor in psychology. I hope we can have classes together.”

“I hope we can get along. Let’s use the dorm well.” Minho smiled and held out his hand for Felix to shake which he did. That was when he noticed it; his red thread was a pure crimson color against the skin of his finger. It wasn’t like that before, what the hell was happening?

Minho frowned when Felix just stood there out in the hallway, staring at their clasped hands.

“Are you okay, Felix?” Minho asked with a small frown. “Is something wrong?”

“H-Huh?” Felix snapped out of his reverie. “N-No, I’m okay.” Felix beamed and quickly racked his head for an excuse as he let go of Minho’s hand. “I’m just, still feeling really tired from the flight.”

When Minho nodded, he also opened the door wider for Felix to enter the dorm. The place was decently sized and neat. From the landing by the door, Felix saw a small living room, a small pantry-dash-kitchen with a single conduction stove and three doors which he assumed were his and Minho’s rooms and the bathroom.

Felix wondered if his soulmate’s home was styled similarly-....FUCK! Felix’s eyes widened and his lips slightly parted in realization that he had not ‘contacted’ his soulmate since landing in Korea. He watched while Minho removed his slippers on the concrete landing and stepped up barefoot on the polished wooden floor.

“Your room’s the one on the right.” Minho told him. “Just keep the place clean and clean up after yourself. If you’re going to bring a guest, then just make sure you keep the noise down.” He said. “I usually don’t have a problem with noise as long as it’s not exam week, but the floor manager is a bit of an asshole so let’s avoid having him knock on our door.”

Felix quickly agreed on that and he knelt to unlace his sneakers and toe them off before he stepped on the wooden floor in his socks. He also lifted his two travel trollies one by one, careful not to drop them carelessly. The floor looked so clean that Felix felt bad of even letting the dirty wheels of his travel bag to touch it, but it appeared Minho didn’t mind.

“Okay, Minho,” Felix agreed but Minho appeared to freeze and turn to look at him slowly. That was when Felix caught his error and nodded vigorously. “Sorry, I meant, okay, Minho-hyung.”

Minho smiled. “I don’t bite, you know, and you’ll get used to this place before you know it.” The older turned and walked to the kitchen to open the door to the fridge. He pull out a green bottle which Felix guessed to be some sort of cold tea. Felix busied himself of pulling his bags to the door to the right that was supposed to be his room when an odd thought struck him.

He looked at his string and tugged twice before he looked at Minho whose back was facing him while he washed his glass on the sink. There was no reaction and the older kept up his task. When the response tugs came, Minho had turned off the water and was putting the glass back in the drying rack along with the plates.

Minho wasn’t Felix’s soulmate.

Felix wanted to smack himself and so he did and gave himself a light slap on the cheek. He can’t go around testing if someone was his soulmate; that just sounded desperate.

Turns out, Minho was a really nice roommate and being older, he also looked after Felix. He helped him get used to the place and the culture and often gave advise to help Felix out. Minho also corrected Felix’s grammar and helped him with Korean words. Felix didn’t share any dance classes with Minho this semester but Minho entrusted Felix to Hwang Hyunjin, one of his friends who happened to also to share a dance class with him. Hyunjin also dropped by their dorm frequently to hang out after classes or if they need to study together for dance theory with Minho helping them since he was their senior and had already taken up the subject last semester.

Felix tried his little tug experiment with Hyunjin but he didn’t see the older react or even move any of his fingers as well, yet the disembodied responses still came.

After a few weeks, Felix stopped trying since schoolwork started to take up his time. However, his tug routines with his soulmate never ceased; he still tugged once in the morning and three times before bed to signal ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ respectively. Felix still felt slivers of feeling and emotion from his soulmate from time to time. There was one time that he woke up in the wee hours of the morning when he felt sadness wash over him. The feeling was so heavy, and Felix felt it so deeply that he ended up crying in bed, curled up within himself while he cuddled his pillow and wishing that he was holding his soulmate instead.

They were sad and there was nothing Felix could do to comfort them, but he had to try; this was his soulmate! He wasn’t going to stand at the side and do nothing because over the years they’ve communicated with their tugs, this person grew on Felix.

He wiped away the tears in his eyes with the back of his hand and he stared at the crimson thread around his ring finger. Despite feeling his soulmates’ emotions from time to time, Felix had never attempted to respond to it, so now, he had to try. He doesn’t know if it will work but it was better than just sitting there while he felt his soulmates’ sadness.

Taking a deep breath, Felix followed his instinct and desire to send comfort. He imagined good things like his favorite ice cream, his family, and he also dug up mental images of the beaches in Australia and gathered the warm and comforting feeling it made him feel. Then, he ‘imagined’ sending that down the red thread and willed them to go to the person on the other side.

There was no response for a good fifteen minutes but the suffocating feeling of sadness faded away and Felix felt like he was walking out of a dark tunnel and into the clear moonlight under a starry sky. Felix slept comfortably for the rest of the night and thankfully, it was the weekend so he could sleep in.

“Sorry, I’m late, guys!” A guy with puffy cheeks that reminded Felix of a chipmunk bounded up to them and threw his arms around Minho in a back hug. Han Jisung happily nuzzled Minho’s shoulder while the older gave a soft ‘hmpf’ at his boyfriend’s attempts to make up for his tardiness.

“What do you mean sorry?” Minho muttered with a roll of his eyes which earned a pout from Jisung.

“Aw, sorry, baby,” he apologized. “please don’t be mad anymore.”

“That’s hyung to you, Han Jisung,” Minho replied fatly.

The sad attempt earned a loud laugh from Felix and Hyunjin who stood beside him.

“Hey, Felix,” Hyunjin flashed Felix a knowing grin. “you know, Jisung should be punished for being late…again.”

“Let’s ask Minho-hyung,” Felix wagged his eyebrows mischievously at Jisung who’s shoulders drooped.

“Your punishment is,” Minho tapped his lower lip while he thought. “buy us ice cream.”

“Aww,” Jisung whined. “but why!”

“We missed the first bus because of you.” Minho said a matter of factly. “So, you must buy us ice cream because we waited in the heat.”

“Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream,” Hyunjin chanted enthusiastically and Felix joined along for the heck of it.

“You guys always gang up on me,” Jisung sighed but he shrugged. “fine, then.”

Hyunjin snorted, his chin jutted up in smug victory while Felix patted Jisung on the back. It was Saturday night and the three of them decided to go out to see a movie together. Minho asked if he could bring Jisung as a plus-one since it was just after exam week and they all needed to unwind after five school days of hell. Hyunjin and Felix didn’t have a problem with it since they liked Jisung. Minho’s boyfriend was a freshman like them, but he started a semester earlier like Hyunjin while Felix arrived during the second one. Jisung majored in music production with a minor in literature and he also happened to be a really good dancer. However, it was Jisung’s rapping skills and his talent in being a lyricist that really impressed Felix. The guy was an ace, and pair Jisung’s songs with Minho’s flawless dancing, it was a match made in heaven.

Jisung was also very friendly, although shy at first when Felix first met him.

They saw a fantasy action movie that evening; it was alright, and Felix enjoyed it. Hyunjin really enjoyed it while he didn’t even spare a glance at Minho and Jisung, too timid that he might catch them making out and that would just be awkward.

They went to a diner for dinner after the movie. They talked about the movie and their thoughts about it then Hyunjin and Jisung started to talk about the upcoming movies next month that they should make time to watch.

Felix listened contently at his friends’ animated laughter. He sat across the table from Minho and Jisung with Hyunjin sitting beside him. When Jisung stuffed a couple of fries in his mouth and got ketchup on his cheek, Felix averted his eyes when Minho dabbed a napkin to gently wipe it away. He looked at Jisung in such a way that told Felix that their hyung was completely and utterly in love with the younger and Jisung returned the look with equal affection. He wondered if they were soulmates since he couldn’t see other people’s strings like he could with his own. He lifted is hand and moved his ring finger twice to send tugs to his soulmate and he smiled to himself when he felt two tugs return

“Hey, Felix,” Hyunjin softly cleared his throat. “what are you doing?”

“Huh?” Felix looked up at the taller. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, man,” Hyunjin rolled his eyes. “you’re moving your finger. I’ve noticed that you do it a lot. Is it a habit?”

Felix bit his lower lip, suddenly conscious of his mannerisms. “Kind of?” it sounded like a question. “I’ve been doing it since I was fifteen. It’s uhm, well,” he paused, suddenly unsure and he looked at his friends who were all looking at him with anticipation. Felix thought that maybe he could trust them; they were his friends after all. “Do you know that red thread thing?”

“Oh!” Jisung perked up. “You mean this?” He enthusiastically lifted his left hand and Minho’s right hand limply pulled up as if it was being held by some sort of invisible force.

“Oh my god!” Felix exclaimed and beside him, Hyunjin laughed at his reaction. “You guys are soulmates?!”

“Uhg, please, can the ground just swallow me whole?” Minho muttered while he hid his reddening face. “Jisung, for fuck’s sake, you’re being so loud. People are staring!”

“So what?” The younger grinned brightly. “I’ll yell to the whole world that I’m proud to be Lee Minho’s soulmate!” then, he leaned in closer at Minho and whispered; “I’m proud to be Lee Minho’s soulmate!”

The cheesiness of Jisung ‘yelling to the whole world’ made the older die even more of embarrassment and Hyunjin’s high pitched laugh wasn’t helping in diverting away the attention from their table. Felix had to say, Minho and Jisung were adorable together and being soulmates made it even better.

“So, who is it, Felix?” Hyunjin asked excitedly this time. “You didn’t even introduce us! I thought we were your friends?” he feigned a tone of hurt but Felix just playfully smacked the older’s arm.

When the laughter died down, Felix said, a little bit sadly; “Well, I…I haven’t really met them yet.” He admitted. “I don’t even know who they are. The best I can do to prove that they exist is that they respond when I tug on the string.”

Jisung and Minho glanced at each other while Hyunjin rested his cheek on his palm when he propped up his arm on the table while he watched Felix.

“That’s it? Just tugs?” Minho asked.

Felix nodded. “But sometimes,” he lowered his voice to whisper as if he didn’t want strangers to hear. “I can feel what they feel.”

“Oh,” Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “That’s really something, Felix,” he said, genuinely interest. “what do you feel?”

“The first time I felt what they felt was when I was fifteen,” Felix answered. “It was December and I felt cold but it never gets that cold in Australia so that was when I also realized that they’re not from there but from a place where it snows during winter.”

He thought about what happened that one night. “I don’t feel their emotions a lot but the other week, I felt this really terrible sadness that wasn’t mine.”

Jisung shifted uncomfortably from across the table and Minho looked at his boyfriend, concerned. However, the couple neither said anything and let Felix continue.

“What did you do?” Hyunjin asked.

“I tried to comfort them,” Felix replied. “I thought about things that made me happy and pushed that down the thread. I don’t know if that kind of thing works but the sadness disappeared.”

“It does,” It was Minho who confirmed Felix’s theory and beside him, Jisung nodded. “my grandmother told me that it depends per pair on how the thread is utilized.”

“Yeah, like, me and hyung,” Jisung said this time. “it’s like we have a GPS on each other.”

“So, that was why it wasn’t hard for you guys to find each other when you first met?” Felix asked.

“Yeah,” Jisung replied. “we met in university already but when I was a kid living in Malaysia, I always had this urge that made me want to return to Korea. Then, when I started university here, I met Minho-hyung at the convenience store. It happens all time, for some weird reason. We don’t try to be together but we always end up together in the same place. It’s a weird pull.”

“Just to clear things out,” Minho interrupted. “I’m not trying to be with Jisung but he’s just...there.”

“That’s why we will never get lost in a sea of people, y’know?” Jisung grinned and threw an arm around Minho’s shoulders. The older groaned but did not pull away. “No matter the distance, we always find each other. You can drop me in the middle of France and I’d still find my way back to Minho-hyung.”

“Jisung,” Minho whined and covered his face while his boyfriend flashed him a proud grin.

“That’s so cool and romantic,” Felix’s smile made his eyes sparkle. Then, he turned to Hyunjin beside him. “What about you, hyung?”

Hyunjin’s smile faded and he averted his gaze. “I, uhm,” he laughed nervously. “I don’t really think about it. It’s complicated.”

“Oh, that’s okay, I’m sorry.” Worried that he stepped over a private subject that he had had no business with, Felix changed the subject; “This diner is better than the one near campus.”

Minho nodded in agreement. “Yeah but it’s not like we can ride the bus to go here anytime we need to eat. We can go here on special occasions though.”

“What’s today’s special occasion, hyung?” Hyunjin asked to which Minho smiled smugly.

“Jisung’s treating us to ice cream, of course.”

Little cheers and clamps erupted from Felix’s side of the table while Jisung groaned. “You’re lucky I like you guys.” He sighed and stood before he tugged on Minho’s sleeve. “Help me carry the ice cream back here, hyung.”

“What-?” Minho began but then quicky clamped is mouth shut when Jisung gave him a knowing look.

“Right.” Minho nodded and got up as well, leaving a confused Felix and an oblivious Hyunjin who was occupied with scrolling through his phone.

A week later, Felix was in one of the campus dance studios with Minho and Hyunjin. They had just finished a routine that was going to be part of a practical test next week in one of their classes and Minho was nice enough to help them through it since he had some free time.

“Hyunjin, straighten your arms with a snap like this,” Minho instructed while he demonstrated the movement again. “turn with your right foot clockwise so you don’t end up tripping on your own feet.”

The younger nodded and repeated Minho’s demonstration a few times in front of the wall-to-ceiling mirrors until he got it right.

“Good, you’re getting the hang of it.” Minho nodded. On the other end of the room, Felix was taking a break. He wiped his brow with a hand towel while he held a battery powered hand fan to try and cool himself.

He was distracted when Minho and Hyunjin walked up to him to join him on his little break. Felix helpfully handed bottles of cold water to his hyungs while he grabbed his phone to check if he had any unread messages from his classmates. Once in a while, Felix twitched his finger to tug on the red string while his soulmate tugged back.

“By the way,” Minho broke the silence and both Felix and Hyunjin looked up. “are you guys free on Saturday?”

Felix and Hyunjin glanced at each other then back at Minho while they shook their heads.

“Great,” the older smiled. “I was wondering if you guys want to go to a club to watch Jisung perform. He’s going to rap with his friends.”

“A hip-hop club?” Felix’s eyes widened excitedly and beside him, Hyunjin smiled.

“Been a while since I watched 3Racha perform,” the taller said. “count me in.”

“3Racha?” Felix repeated in question when he looked at Hyunjin.

“Yeah, Jisung performs with two of his upperclassmen.”

“It’s their first show for this semester.” Minho added helpfully. “It’ll be nice if you guys can come along and show your support.” He looked at his friends hopefully until his eyes lingered at Felix. “I think it’ll be memorable.”

“You’re really sure, huh?” Felix joked and the older huffed in annoyance.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Minho put an emphasis on the word. “Jisung and his friends are really talented and get this, they produce their own songs. Jisung can write lyrics in under fifteen minutes.”

Felix watched while Minho glowed with pride talking about his soulmate. It made Felix wonder just what his own soulmate’s talents were. Maybe they liked to dance like he did? He would actually be happy if that were the case because that would mean he and his soulmate can dance together. Felix felt his cheeks burn at the thought.

However, no matter what his soulmate’s talent was, Felix thought they were special either way.

“Are they going to finally perform that song Changbin-hyung was working on?” Hyunjin asked this time while he wiped the sweat of his face with a hand towel. He and Chan-hyung kept talking about it that one time we all went out.

Assuming that the new names in the conversation were Jisung’s friends that made up 3Racha, Felix decided to confirm; “They’re the ones Jisung will be performing with?”

“Yeah,” Hyunjin answered enthusiastically. “those guys are awesome artists. They’re so good that their group name is something you can call a ‘household name’ in the underground rap scene here in Seoul.

“Whoah,” Felix breathed in amazement.

“Intimidating as they are on stage, they’re actually one of the nicest people ever.” Hyunjin added. Felix couldn’t agree more because he found Jisung to be really nice that it was hard to imagine someone as adorable and bubbly like him can be this intimidating rapper.

“In that case,” Felix beamed. “I’m in!”

“Great!” Hyunjin patted him on shoulder. “I’ll drop by your dorm on Saturday and pick you up. Minho-hyung usually goes early whenever Jisung has a performance. Soulmate duties, pep talks, you know… the works.”

“Actually, I don’t,” the younger blonde laughed awkwardly.

“Same,” Hyunjin shrugged. “never got the chance to.” Then, he paused and shook his head quickly and added to save his slip-up. “Haha, kidding. Never got to meet mine.”

That caught Felix’s attention but before he could ask about it, he remembered that Hyunjin said that his soulmate was a touchy subject so he decided to just offer a kind and polite smile.

“Alright, brats, take five.” Minho interjected, his face serious and he used the ‘bossy’ voice which Felix and Hyunjin liked to call it whenever Minho taught them. “Let’s do two runs then shower. I’ve got a 4 PM class.”

Hyunjin enthusiastically led Felix back in front of the ceiling-to-floor mirrors while Minho took his phone from the table to restart the music.

But before he did, he shot a quick text to his soulmate:

‘I got Felix to come on Saturday.’

‘Perfect, baby!’ Came the reply on the chat box. ‘Was Felix tugging ten minutes ago?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Lol.’ Jisung’s reply came with laughing emojis this time. ‘Changbin-hyung was too.’

True to his word, the doorbell buzzed that Saturday. Felix strode out of his room after he slipped on a faded denim jacket over a plaid button up and a white shirt. He grabbed his phone and his wallet from the coffee table and hopped onto the concrete lower landing to check the small monitor. Sure enough, it was Hyunjin. Felix opened the door to let Hyunjin in while he knelt to tie his shoelaces.

“Ready to go?” Hyunjin asked and when Felix looked up and their eyes met, they were both stunned. “Wow, shit, Felix, you look good.”

“O-oh?” Felix felt bashful while he smiled nervously. “It’s not too much or too little?” Was Hyunjin just saying this? Did he even looked into a mirror? Hyunjin was dressed simply with a little eye make up on but damn, did he carry it well with a vneck shirt that hugged his toned but slender body quite nicely. His blond hair was pulled up in a half pony with one side braided close to his skull and accented by gold foil strands. His plump lips had a pink sheen to it that made them look fuller and kissable.

“No,” Hyunjin smiled. “I’ve never seen you with your hair pushed back, dude. You look great. I won’t be surprised if you’ll bringing home someone tonight.” He wagged his perfectly shaped brows at Felix who choked on his breath.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Felix rolled his eyes with a scoff. “That’s you, not me.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Hyunjin shrugged with a smirk. “we’ll see. Come on, we’ll be late and I’m not in the mood for Minho-hyung trying to stuff my mouth with tissue.”

Later, Hyunjin led them through the black double doors of the club and the bass heavy atmosphere slammed into Felix and pulsed in his veins. He grinned; he felt it that he was going to enjoy this. He followed closely behind Hyunjin who strode with sleek confidence through the crowd. He threw some flirty smiles at the people who stared at them. Felix recognized some familiar faces he saw at university but didn’t personally know and he nodded a polite hello at them.

“Hey, loosen up, would you?” Hyunjin laughed over the pulsing noise of the beat that played. “this is a club, Lix, live a little.” He said when they reached the bar and Hyunjin signaled for two drinks which the bar tender got to work on fairly quickly because Hyunjin smiled sweetly at him.

“Here,” the taller handed Felix a cold glass filled with pink liquid and a little paper umbrella. “first drink’s on me.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to, hyung,” Felix’s eyes widened as he accepted the drink but the other just laughed.

“It’s okay, this is your first time in a club since coming here, right?” Hyunjin perched on one of the bar stools while he coolly took a sip of his own drink. “consider it a welcoming gift.”

“Aww,” Felix cooed and studied the glass that he held before he took an experimental sip. Then, he perked up when the sweet, spiked flavor burst in his mouth. “wow, what’s this?”

“Strawberry daiquiri.”

“Oh,”

“Why?” Hyunjin asked while he licked his lower lip after he took another sip. “You don’t like it?”

“I love it,” Felix smiled. “I just thought this was called something ridiculously sexual.” He leaned on the counter by the small of his back while he stirred the pink slush with the stem of the paper umbrella. “You know, like sex on the beach, blowjob, orgasm, and Choke Me Daddy.”

Hyunjin coughed back a laugh that burst out from him when he almost choked on his drink. Felix grinned.

“Oh my god, are you fucking serious?” Hyunjin laughed, the sound shrill but musical. It almost reminded Felix of tinkling bells and the way Hyunjin’s eyes disappeared whenever he laughed was adorable.

“Yeah! I swear I didn’t make those up,” Felix giggled. “Well, maybe, except for the last one? I made that up and I’d totally try and mixing up my own creation and call it Choke Me, Daddy.”

“What about something like Handcuffs?” Hyunjin suggested. “Fluffy handcuffs?” Even in the dark, Felix could see Hyunjin’s cheeks turn pink underneath the thin layer of bronzer.

“Oh, come on, hyung,” Felix laughed. “you can come up with something better!”

Hyunjin mulled over his thought while he swirled his drink slowly.

“Think of something you like?”

The swirling stopped and when Hyunjin’s eyes trailed up slowly and came to lock with Felix’s, the younger felt his breath hitch at the sight of those gorgeous orbs masked in cobalt blue contacts.

“What about,” Those plump lips moved slowly to form the words and Felix was absolutely mesmerized by them. “subspace?”

“Kinky,” Felix smirked and leaned in when Hyunjin did

“Are you two going to start fucking in the middle of the bar?” An unimpressed voice interrupted them, and Felix immediately jumped back, almost spilling some of his drink on his jacket. Hyunjin, on the other hand, rolled his eyes.

“No, Minho-hyung,” Hyunjin sighed, annoyed at the interruption, while Felix shook his head with internal panic.

Minho rolled his eyes then asked; “Have you guys been here long? I just got out now.”

“Twenty minutes at most, why?” Felix replied this time.

 “Prep’s done,” Minho waved a hand dismissively when Hyunjin offered to buy him a drink. “3Racha’s up next.”

“I hope Jisung didn’t cry.” Hyunjin snorted while he downed his drink and placed it back on the marble countertop where the bartender took them back.

The oldest scoffed and smirked at Hyunjin. “Do you honestly think that Han Jisung would cry before a performance?

“Happened the last time,” A shrug. “Why? Am I wrong?” Hyunjin asked while he arched an elegant brow in question.

“That was one time, Hwang,” Minho’s tone was light, but it held a lingering tone of warning. “my soulmate’s got this, thanks for worrying.”

Scoffing, Hyunjin playfully hit Minho on the shoulder before getting up to his feet from the stool. “Are you done, Lixie?”

“Mhmm…” Felix raised a finger at his hyung in a gesture to wait a moment while he finished his own drink and followed the others to the gathered crowd around a platform stage. They squeezed their way to the front where they got as close to the stage as possible but the front line people that leaned on the barrier weren’t letting up so the best they got was second row.

“I should have boyfriend privileges.” Minho muttered, somewhat irritated.

“Hey, come on, hyung,” Rubbing circles on Minho’s back, Felix smiled at him eyes sparkling with it. He tilted his head to the side and the blinking red lights made his platinum blonde hair the same color.

“I’m pretty sure that when Jisung’s famous, you’ll get the VIP treatment too.”

“I’ll hold your word on that.”

Then, the lights dimmed and the crowd went wild when the speakers blared a repeating melody of synthesizers.

“Oh shit, I love this song!” Hyunjin screamed along with the crowd. “I can’t believe they’re opening the set with We Go!”

Felix felt his body move to the smooth and almost threatening beat that blared out into a heat that made him want to dance. The light turned up and there were three people on stage and he immediately recognized Jisung from the familiar stance. The song opened with an explosive beat and Felix caught a slight accent on the first rapper’s pronunciation while he sang.

“That’s Chan-hyung!” Minho yelled over the noise. “He’s from Australia too!”

“Wow, really?!” Felix yelled back, moving to the smooth beat.

“Yeah! You guys should totally hang out sometime. He’s pretty cool!”

Jisung started to rap his part and Felix was completely amazed at how cool Minho’s soulmate was on stage. It was like he was a completely different person, not like the cute bubbly guy Felix liked to joke with. This Jisung, with his rapid-fire rap and impressive stage charisma, would step on Felix and he’d thank him.

Towards the end of his part, Jisung’s pointed at the crowd, quickly pinpointing their position and winked at Minho with a flirty smile. Minho, in return, blew him a kiss.

Oh, right, these two can easily spot each other in a sea people; just GPS soulmate things.

After Chan sang the refrain, the third one of the trio, the shortest among the three stepped up and started his part. He was darkly dressed in a leather jacket, white shirt, a thin silver chain with a spearhead charm around his neck, and a black cap that shadowed his dark eyes. Felix’s mouth parted, amazed at the speed the guy was was rapping and he got goosebumps from the way that rough voice scraped, easily slipping underneath his skin to ignite…something molten, in him.

Then, Felix noticed that his right hand, his whole right hand, was moving like crazy. His eyes widened when he saw that the red thread of fate was fully solid, stretching to disappear in the black sea of bodies and it glowed. Felix struggled to push past to the barrier row.

“Felix! Where are you going?” Hyunjin called but Felix ignored him, completely focused on following where the thread led him. If before if looked like a frayed ribbon that disappeared a few centimeters from Felix’s finger, now, it was whole.

Leaning against the barrier, Felix’s eyes followed the thread that led up to the stage while his heart slammed against his ribs painfully.

“Yeah, we go!”

The trio on the stage exclaimed together and as part of the act, the third on whose name Felix didn’t know, threw back his hand in a gesture to hype up the crowd who followed his lead while they screamed the lyrics. The moment that he did, pain shot up to Felix chest when he was yanked forward and hit the barrier. He would’ve fallen flat on his face if there wasn’t a barrier there.

“Felix, what the hell?” Hyunjin managed to push his way through the crowd to stand beside Felix followed by Minho.

“Who is that?” Felix yelled over the noise.

“What?” The taller blonde yelled back.

“I said,” Felix jabbed a finger to point at the stage. “who is that? The one with Chan and Jisung?”

“That’s Changbin-hyung!”

“That’s my soulmate!”

“What? You’re kidding me!”

“I’m not!” Felix shook his head vigorously, desperate to prove a point. “I’ll show you!”

When the song ended, as if on queue, Felix grabbed the thread with both hands and yanked back as hard as he could. There was a shrill sound from the speakers when a mic was dropped and loud gasps from the crowd after a loud thud.

“Changbin!” A voice cried which Felix recognized as Chan.

“Felix, holy shit, what did you do?” Minho snapped in horror, eyes wide while he stared straight in front of them in shock. Felix dreadfully followed the older’s gaze and saw that both Chan and Jisung were off stage and knelt at the foot of it where a figure laid face down. Changbin struggled to push himself up from falling off stage while his bandmates helped him sit up. The force of the fall had threw his cap off and Felix can now fully see his soulmate’s face; dark hair that covered his eyes at the front but shaped with a sleek undercut on the side, a straight nose, full bowed lips and a pointed chin stained by a crimsons streak of blood from the cut on his left brow.

God, Changbin was handsome and Felix was an idiot.

Felix felt horror well up in him when he realized the Changbin was bleeding because of his reckless stupidity. Changbin managed to get up to his feet, left hand pressed against his wound to put pressure on the bleeding. He looked at the string and followed it where it connected to the crowd and when their eyes meet for the first time, Felix felt an icy chill slide down his spine because Changbin glared murderously at him.

“I…I…” Felix breathed in disbelief. He quickly bowed in apology at Changbin and did what his instincts screamed at him whenever he felt trapped in a situation…

He ran.

It was close to midnight when Felix found himself at the diner that he frequented with his friends. He also sat in their usual booth that felt too large and lonesome for just one person to sit in. He stared at the cup of black coffee in front of him. After he bolted from the club, Felix let his feet carry him to God-knows-where in downtown Seoul and that happened to be this diner.

His ringtone blared for the eighth time that hour and this time, it was Jisung’s name that flashed on his screen. Felix just stared at it dumbly until the call led Jisung to voice mail. The first seven were alternating calls between Minho and Hyunjin and this was Jisung’s first ring.

Felix groaned and let his head fall into the table with a dull thump. The teaspoon on the saucer where his coffee was clanked against the porcelain.

“Felix Lee, you are absolutely the worst.” He told himself in English while he squeezed his eyes shut.

“You talk like Chan-hyung.” Said a voice. “Are you Lee Felix?”

Felix froze. It was a voice that sounded familiar; a voice that was just aggressively rapping an hour and a half ago. Gathering his courage, he slowly lifted his head and looked up, only to be met by a pair of dark eyes that studied him intently.

“Yes, I am.” He nodded nervously. “How…how did you know?”

“You’re Minho-hyung’s roommate, right? And Minho’s Jisung’s boyfriend and he’s my friend. It’s not hard to connect the dots.”

The older said but Felix found it hard to reply with something, so he just merely gave a soft ‘ah’ and a nod.

“Where are my manners?” The older growled to himself while he carded his fingers through his black hair. “I’m Seo Changbin,” Changbin motioned at the empty seat across Felix. “Mind if I join you?” He had a gauze taped over his left brow and it just made Felix feel worse. He shook his head in response and Changbin slipped between the couch booth and the table.

As if on cue, a server approached them who Felix recognized as a classmate from one of his minor psychology classes. They recognized each other by face, and she offered a cheerful smile at him which Felix returned with a little wave. She handed the menu to Changbin and took out a small notepad from her apron.

“Do you want anything?” Changbin asked from across the table to Felix who stared back, surprised at the question.

“Coffee is just fine, thank you.” He answered, hoping that he didn’t stumble on his words since he was still trying to get fluent with speaking Korean. He wasn’t as bad at it as he used to be when he first arrived because his friends taught him something new everyday.

With a quick nod, Changbin recited his order which Felix’s classmate jotted quickly on her notepad. It could’ve been easier if the place used tablets to record orders like the more modern diners but this one had a vintage western vibe to it.

“I’ll be right back with your order.” She smiled at Changbin first then at Felix before she walked off.

There was a pregnant silence between them. Felix absolutely had no idea what to say or how to even start a conversation with his soulmate whom he dreamed off meeting for years. Now, he has, and it’s not the most romantic or even the happy meeting Felix imagine it to be.

“I-“

“So-“

Speaking at the same time, Felix’s eyes snapped up to meet Changbin’s before he looked away again.

“Sorry, you first,”

“No,” Changbin shook his head, “you first.” His tone was kind and soft which encouraged Felix. He didn’t appear mad like he did during the incident at the concert.

“I’m sorry,” Felix managed to squeak out. “Hyunjin wouldn’t believe when I told him that you were my soulmate, so I yanked on the thread to get some kind of reaction from you.” He bowed his head apologetically. “I didn’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry.”

“You know Hyunjin?” Changbin asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

Felix nodded. “Yes, he’s friends with my roommate, Minho-hyung. He’s also my classmate in some of my dance subjects.”

Changbin chewed on his bottom lip while he digested the information. “You’re a dance major, then?”

“I am.” Feeling proud of that, Felix smiled at him and Changbin felt like he was punched in the gut. He probably had worse hits from back alley fights, but that smile was like staring at the sun on a spring day and not caring if his eyeballs melted out of their sockets.

“I study music production with a minor in creative writing.” There was a delay in the response because Changbin was staring at his soulmate from across the table.

“So, that would mean that you write the lyrics you guys perform, right?” Felix asked, genuinely interested, as he leaned on the table and propped his elbow up to rest his chin on his palm. He wore light blue contacts which matched his smokey eye makeup and his blond hair. Changbin had to mentally punch himself not to reach over and run his fingers through those golden locks.

“Yeah,” he choked out. “I-I do. Jisung helps out too. You know what? We all do, it’s a team effort.”

“Which really pays off because that song you performed earlier was so good!” Felix beamed.

“Really?” Changbin asked in disbelief, butterflies in his stomach. What the hell was happening to him? He had an embarrassing moment because of this guy, and he was close to beating the shit out of him in his haze of humiliated anger.

Until he felt the feelings of fear and remorse that were not his own while he was being stitched up at the ER.

“Yes,” Felix nodded happily. “it was really good! Was it…” he paused and visibly deflated, shoulders sagging.

That made Changbin frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you have to cut the concert short because of what I did?”

Changbin blinked, slightly taken back. “We opened the set. We only had to perform one song. Whoah, Felix-!” Tears sheened in Felix’s eyes as he lowered his head to hide his face. His shoulders quivered slightly while he wept, the sobs choked in his throat.

“Dude, why are you crying?”

“I,” Felix hiccupped back sobs. “I’ve always hoped that I would meet my soulmate but,” he angrily wiped his tears away with the back of his hand. As he did, the red thread shone between them, clearly visible for their eyes only. “I ended up hurting you and embarrassing you in front of a lot of people. I’m really sorry, Changbin.”

“Hey, hey,” A protective and concerned feeling washed over the bond which enveloped Felix like a heavy blanket. “It’s okay.” He froze when Changbin reached over from across the table and took Felix’s hand into his when instinct took over. “It really is.”

“People will make fun of you for falling off stage.” Felix reasoned out, head snapping up and his teary eyes met Changbin’s.

“Accidents in shows happen all the time,” Changbin frowned. “and if they find that funny, then they can take it up with my fist on their face. Also, that makes them assholes.”

With that Felix tried to calm himself down and he took deep breaths to help himself stop the tears. He studied his soulmate through the long, wet lashes that fanned over his eyes and the other watched him with a concerned look then, he sighed;

“I know that it’s not really the best of first meetings, but I-…” Changbin paused and pursed his lips together while he struggled to find the right words but decided to just be completely honest. “I waited for many years to finally meet you and I’d rather have this than not meet you at all.”

The younger paused at that and Felix stared at Changbin in disbelief. He was anxious that the reason that the other came here was so he can yell at Felix, but instead, Changbin was glad to meet him despite what happened. “Really?”

Changbin nodded and was supposed to say something else but then the server from earlier returned with his order. He thanked her as the tray of food was placed in front of him. When she left, Changbin placed the plate of mini sandwiches and potato chips in the middle of the table.

“Have some.” He motioned at the food while he took a sandwich for himself.

Felix looked unsure; he wasn’t very hungry but he didn’t want to be rude either. “Aren’t you hungry, hyung?” He asked.

“I am,” Changbin shrugged while he took a hearty bite of his sandwich. “there’s nothing wrong with sharing, right? Besides,” he glanced at Felix’s coffee that had already gone cold. “I think you’re not up for that.”

“I just bought it so that I have an excuse to stay here,” the blonde’s gaze settled to stare at the cup.

“Why’d you run off like that?”

“You looked like you wanted to murder me, so I bailed.” Felix meant to sound light about it but Changbin quieted down.

“Oh, no,” he grabbed his drink and took two big gulps to wash down the food down his throat. He placed the glass back down; "I mean, I was mad. I did fall off the stage, but I wouldn’t go that far. I’m a nice guy once you get to know me, I think.”

An ember of hope flared inside Felix and he looked up and stared at Changbin with bright eyes and a small smile. The older felt something stir within him. “Really, hyung? We can get to know one another. We can be friends?”

“Sure,” Changbin replied with a smile. “I mean, aren’t we kind of already are? How many years have we been communicating through tugs?” He lifted his left hand and Felix felt the movement on his own. Their red string shone between them like it was made from crushed rubies but felt soft as silk.

Felix smiled so brightly, and an adorable giggle burst from him. The sound filled Changbin’s ears and he immediately knew that he was screwed.

An hour and a half flew by while Changbin and Felix talked at the diner. They shared stories about their childhood and reminisced memories from their limited communication through the distance. Felix joked that it was like sending Morse code and Changbin, being sharp like his wit took out his phone to google time zones.

“What are you doing, hyung?” Felix asked, curiously watching Changbin typed on his phone.

“Googling timezones,” Changbin replied and then his eyes widened. “Ah!”

“What, what?!” Felix immediately leaned over the table to try and get a peek of the older’s phone screen. “What is it?”

“I calculated the time difference between Australia and South Korea,” Changbin showed Felix his phone. “There are tugs from you that come at certain times of my day, it’s like clockwork most of the time. You were saying ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’, were you?”

When Felix’s face flushed, pink sweeping over the freckles on his checks, Changbin smirked in victory.

“I knew it.” He chuckled, that smug smirk breaking into a grin.

“Smartass.” The diner was filled Changbin’s laugh when Felix mumbled that, hiding his flushed face because the older was right. Changbin was going to come up with a playful retort when Felix’s phone rang.

“Excuse me, hyung,” he pulled out his phone and read the name on the screen. “Oh, it’s Minho.”

“Don’t let him hear that,” Changbin smiled. “he’ll cook you alive.” He finished off his drink when Felix hit the answer button.

“Hi, hyung…”

It turned out that everyone was worried because Changbin decided to run off after being stitched up at the ER claiming that he was going to look for Felix only to be followed by almost two hours or radio silence.

“Yes, we’ll head back to the dorm. We’ll meet you there.” Felix ended the call and kept his phone before he gave Changbin a small smile.

“They’re worried.”

“I can tell,” It turned out that Changbin’s phone had died in the middle of their lively conversation and neither Jisung nor Chan could call him. “If we go now, we can catch the last bus of the night.”

They barely caught the bus with Felix running after it just as the doors closed, waving his arms wildly so that the driver would notice them. The two of them got on, laughing, and tapped their cards to pay for the fare. The trip back to campus was just fifteen minutes since there was no traffic due to the late hour. When they hopped off and got to the university gates, Felix asked;

“Where’s your dorm? I’m in Annex B.”

“Annex C,” Changbin replied with a small grimace when his stitches started to throb because the anesthetic was starting to wear off. “Jisung’s my roommate.”

That made Felix frown; Annex C was on the complete opposite side of where he lived and right now, Changbin wasn’t looking too good. “Alright, lead the way, hyung.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” Felix’s tone was final. “lead the way. I’ll walk you back to your dorm.”

Changbin frowned at the younger’s stubbornness. If any, it should be the other way around. “I’m fine, Felix.”

The blonde politely argued his point. “I’m not going to let you walk the length of the campus grounds on your own. You did hit your head so there’s a risk that you might feel dizzy.”

“And since when did you become an expert on concussions?” Changbin arched a brow and crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly but Felix wasn’t about to yield.

“My older sister is a nurse.” Felix replied. “She taught me a thing or two about it.”

The two of them stared at each other underneath the light of the streetlamps in the middle of the 2 AM cold.  When Changbin didn’t appear to budge, Felix sighed;

“It’s the least I can do.” He said. “Please? I’m not comfortable letting you go back on your own; not when you’re hurt.” Felix did look genuinely worried and Changbin was shocked to receive so much kindness from a person that he had only just met. However, there was still a feeling of familiarity that Changbin was quick to feel comfortable around Felix. It was probably from their years of sending Morse codes through their thread; that thought that it was his soulmate on the other end of the line.

“Okay, fine,” Changbin sighed and Felix beamed happily. Then, he shook his head with a quiet chuckle; “I’m older than you, shouldn’t I be the one looking out for you?”

“Why can’t we look out for each other?” Felix suggested. “Friends have each other’s backs, right? It’s not just one sided.” Enthusiastically, Felix locked his arm around Changbin’s and looked at him expectantly. “Let’s go, hyung. I bet you’re tired.”

Yeah, Changbin was definitely doomed

The next few weeks came by like a breeze. Felix enjoyed his first semester immensely with his friends and to earn a little extra, he got part time job at the campus café with Chan at the older’s suggestion. Felix absolutely liked spending time with Chan because they were both from Sydney. It was good that there was someone Felix can be friends with that understood him and someone he can sympathize with whenever he felt homesick. Felix had grown comfortable with is new friends and even if university wasn’t a simple walk in the park with tight deadlines, early morning classes, caffeine overdose, and terror professors, he didn’t feel lonely.

Felix and Changbin had also grown more comfortable since their first meeting. The older had invited Felix to a couple of more Friday shows with 3Racha playing in the opening set. Usually, it used to be Minho who dragged Felix to the shows so that they can support Jisung and the others but lately, Changbin’s been beating Felix’s roommate to it, which made Minho arch a knowing brow but did not bother to say anything.

Other than his circle, Felix had also made friends with other people in campus, mostly from his psychology subjects and one of them this tall boy with adorable dimples that stood out whenever he smiled while his eyes disappeared, Choi Soobin. Felix and Soobin absolutely got a long like two peas in a pod (or maybe Felix just got along with everyone) but it was their love for baking and cute things that really made them click with each other.

They were at the library one day because they were paired up for a mini-research paper that was due at the end of the week. While they worked quietly, Soobin leaned back against his chair and stretched his long arms, sighing when his stiff joints popped.

“Lix, there’s no end to this,” he sighed while he slipped off his round rimless glasses. “every time there’s a contradiction, we have to cross check with like, five sources.”

“We’re halfway through, though,” Felix looked up from his laptop. He smiled and tried to lift Soobin’s spirits even if he himself was tired and he rubbed his left temple when a dull migraine started to throb. “I think we should take a break.”

“Oh, finally,” Soobin sighed and grabbed his backpack which he set on the table, then, he looked around to make sure that they were alone in that wing of the library. Thankfully, they were because it was one of the more boring parts of the building where the old books were kept. It smelled musty but the two friends liked the silence whenever they studied.

Soobin smiled at Felix, it was slow, almost like a cat’s but there was mischief in his eyes. Felix immediately knew what it meant;

“You mean, you…?” Felix leaned in closer and his eyes twinkled with interest when Soobin nodded.

“I brought the goods,” Soobin took out an air-tight plastic container and tried to open it as quietly as possible. When Felix peered at what’s inside, his lips parted in shock and Soobin smirked at his friend’s reaction.

“No, way…” Felix breathed and the excitement of seeing pastel colored macarons arranged neatly in the container made his mouth water. He felt curiosity that wasn’t his own poke at him; Changbin must have felt his giddiness.

“Way,” Soobin whispered. “go on, try it. I just made them last night.”

Without a second to waste, Felix carefully plucked a yellow one and brought it to his nose to take a whiff. “Lemon?”

“Used fresh lemon zest on the cream.” Soobin nodded and Felix took a bite. The taller smiled when Felix’s eyes rolled back and low, soft moan reverberated from him. “God, Soobin, I hate you.”

The taller burst out into little giggles, careful not to make any noise that would attract attention to them. This was a sacred moment between bakers and no student or librarian is going to take that away from them. “So, does that mean you like it?”

“I love it!” Felix hissed and stuffed the rest of the half-eaten macaron in his mouth. “You have to teach me the technique and we have to set a weekend baking date.” A pause and he batted his lashes at Soobin while he pouted. “Can I have another one?”

The other just laughed and pushed the container across the table at Felix. “I’d have to ask Yeonjun about the baking date. I don’t think he’d mind as long as he can get food out of it.”

Choi Yeonjun is Soobin’s soulmate, he had told Felix before. Unlike Felix, Soobin and Yeonjun shared an apartment outside of campus since they preferred a place of their own where they could live free from asshole floor managers and nosy roommates. And since Soobin was born in a rich family while Yeonjun brough home enough from working as a DJ at one of the clubs, they two of them can afford a place of their own. They were also a couple and whenever he saw Soobin and Yeonjun on campus, he felt a little bit jealous of them because they looked adorable and good together. Felix hasn’t dated anyone since high school and when he arrived in Korea, well, he didn’t see anyone either because he was so busy trying to adjust. He still was, but he had it easier now compared to when he first arrived.

Another fact that made Felix’s world even smaller was that Yeonjun was also a good friend of Changbin’s. One could imagine the happy gathering when Soobin invited Felix out for lunch after one of their classes and bumping onto Yeonjun and Changbin which ended into Yeonjun and Soobin having a lunch date with Changbin and Felix as the third wheeling pair. It was still a funny story Felix liked to remember.

“If Yeonjun’s okay with me trashing your kitchen then I’m in.” Felix nodded enthusiastically while Soobin rolled his eyes.

“Trust me, I’ve lost count on how many times Yeonjoonie trashed our kitchen, so he has no right to reprimand you.” He took a macaron and took a bite before sighing contently. “I think this is the best batch yet.”

“Why don’t we be the judge of that?”

Both Felix and Soobin froze and turned towards the direction of the new voice. Felix’s giddiness bubbled in him when he was met by Changbin’s amused smirk. Beside him, stood a taller guy with fading pink hair and a handsome angular face. Felix threw a little wave at Yeonjun who smiled at him before his attention fully turned to his soulmate.

“You guys are eating macarons without us,” Yeonjun pouted. “I won’t stand for this.”

“I thought sharing was caring?” Changbin pouted this time and threw Felix an accusing look. “I knew something was up when I felt you get excited through the thread.”

Felix blushed when Soobin looked at him. “Seo Changbin is your soulmate?!” he grinned excitedly.

“Keep it down, Soobin, we’ll get caught!” Felix hissed, face and ears red. Changbin smirked at how adorable the younger looked when flustered and decided to play along.

“Oh, you didn’t tell them?” He asked with mock disappointment and Felix threw him a pout.

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted people to know, Binnie,” Felix admitted. “since it’s a private thing and all.” The last part faded into a shy squeak.

In front of them, Yeonjun and Soobin glanced at each other.

“Binnie, huh?” Yeonjun smirked. “The great and intimidating SPEARB is actually Binnie to his soulmate?”

“Yeonjun, I swear, I will stuff you in one of these shelves-…” Changbin growled lowly but Yeonjun just scoffed at him teasingly.

“SPEARB?” Felix repeated and watched as Changbin dropped his back on the foot of the chair beside the younger before he took a seat.

“It’s my stage name,” Changbin muttered the reply. “Chan-hyung goes by the name CB97 while Jisung is…”

“J.One.” Felix finished the sentence quickly and when he felt Changbin’s curiosity through their connection, he replied with a smile; “Minho-hyung wouldn’t shut up about it. He’s really proud of Jisung.”

“But Binnie’s supposed to be the dark and scary one in the trio,” Yeonjun smiled and Changbin groaned.

“Soobin, control your boyfriend, please.”

“Even I have hard time doing that,” Soobin laughed while he started to gather his things and Felix immediately noticed.

“Oh, we’re done?”

“Yup, let’s call it a day, Lix,” Soobin smiled apologetically. “Yeonjun and I need to leave because our friends are coming over to visit. We’re halfway through anyway and I’m sure we’ll be done soon. Sound good?”

“Yeah,” the other nodded and watched while Yeonjun helped Soobin. “You guys have fun.”

“You guys can keep the rest to share, okay, Changbin?” Yeonjun left the only the container of the macarons for Felix and Changbin. “Share.”

“I’m older than you, where’s the fucking respect?” Changbin glared but the pink haired boy just laughed it off.

“A month doesn’t count.”

“See you guys around!” Soobin gave them a little wave and the couple left, leaving Changbin and Felix on their own in the quiet wing of the library. Felix took a macaron and held it out in offering to Changbin.

“Here, hyung,” he smiled. “I’m not kidding when I say that Soobin’s probably the best baker on campus.” Changbin smiled and let Felix feed him the macaron. Satisfaction reverberated through their thread and Felix chuckled at the silent reaction that he felt. “See?”

“Your brownies are better, though,” Changbin said a matter of factly while he took another macaron and stuffed it in his mouth. “I think the first one is better too because you fed it to me.” He snorted when that earned him a playful punch from Felix on his arm.

While Felix gathered his own things and pack up while Changbin snacked on the macarons, he noticed that the older wasn’t very talkative today. If anything, Changbin seemed sullen and his eyes looked tired like he wasn’t getting enough sleep. His suspicions were confirmed when he felt Changbin’s emotion slid down their bond. The older was tired and very stressed. He did a good job hiding it with his friends but with Felix, his soulmate and friend, it was hard to.

“Are you okay?” Felix suddenly broke the silence and he turned to look at Changbin who sat beside him. The older had was in the middle of chewing his food and it appeared as if he had a difficult time swallowing it too.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Changbin replied nonchalantly while he placed the cover of the container back on. For someone who didn’t know Changbin well enough, the unbothered expression he wore was enough to fool but Felix had a special ability to know a more hidden truth.

“I can feel it, hyung,” Felix’s tone was careful but sad. Changbin froze in place, fingers resting on the lid of the macaron container. “If you don’t want to talk about it then I understand, but if you do, I’m here to listen, okay?” He placed a gentle hand on top of Changbin’s and the older stiffened, lifted his gaze and their eyes locked while his troubles were responded to by a feeling of genuine concern from the younger.

“Felix, really, I’m okay,” Changbin’s smile was tight. “I’m just stressed with course work and me and the guys have to finish a track in time for the Uni Open House.” He said, talking about the annual event that the university holds to invite potential students to enroll the following school year.

Dark eyes that reminded Felix of hot cocoa bore deep into his while he stared into Changbin’s eyes, searching for something he wasn’t quite sure of. He can feel that Changbin was troubled and Felix felt helpless.

“Could you do something for me, hyung?”

Changbin’s brows furrowed in curiosity. “Yeah?”

Felix hesitated for a moment, not wanting to overstep boundaries. It’s been a good month since they’ve first met each other but it felt like they’ve known each other for far longer. Changbin felt more of a good friend now and after their misadventures with their friends, they’ve all grown closer. The thought of standing on the side while he felt Changbin’s troubles didn’t sit right with him.

Gathering all his courage, he gently took the older’s hand in between his. Changbin was surprised, tips of his ears turning red, but Felix held on. “You don’t have to think that you should go through this alone, okay? If you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.”

“Is it because you can feel what I feel?” Changbin’s tone was dark and skeptical while the look in his eyes swam with emotion. Felix felt a twinge of shame run through the thread and his eyes widened.

“Don’t, hyung, please,” He quickly shook his head and held Changbin’s hand tighter. “don’t feel like that! It’s nothing to be ashamed about. Everyone is entitled to how they feel, and you can trust me to keep it a secret.”

The silence between them while Changbin thought about what he was supposed to say weighted heavily on Felix’s chest. Finally, Changbin sighed and gave his soulmate’s hands a final squeeze before he let go and pulled them back. Felix started to deflate sadly at the rejection but then Changbin spoke;

“It’s one of my professors, Mr. Park,” the older said and Felix’s eyes widened.

“Your department’s head?”

Changbin nodded. “He’s also my professor in one of my major subject that I haven’t been doing great on. This is the second time that I’ve repeated that subject and I’m still doing bad at it no matter how hard I try. My samples aren’t good enough for him.”

Felix frowned. “But I’ve heard your work and they’re all really good.”

“Really?” Changbin sounded suspicious. “You’re not just saying that?”

“I’ve seen you perform countless times and I still get all hyped up like the first time I saw you,” Felix admitted with honesty. “And don’t be mad, okay? But Chan let me listen to some of your samples when we’re on break at the café and they’re really good.”

Changbin flushed. “Wh-why that little…” but paused when Felix laughed. “What so funny?”

“You’re blushing!”

“Shut uuuup.” Changbin ran a hand down his tired face with a mixture of a whine and a groan. He went and faced Felix again, his eyes swimming with hopeful curiosity. “but you really do like them?”

Felix shook his head. “I love them, hyung, and I think your professor has shit taste and only thinks about himself and what he thinks is right for music.” His lips curled up into a smile when Changbin gave a bashful smile in return. Felix almost found it funny; Seo Changbin seemed like this intimidating guy that roams the university halls and even more so on stage, but with his friends, he was this loud person who joked a lot and has the cutest laugh Felix has heard. He was caring and touch starved, easily sinking into his friends’ hugs and skinship.

And when he was alone with Felix, he opened up an even more vulnerable part of himself that not even their friends knew about; A Changbin who gets dragged and discouraged by stress, whose shoulders sagged and thought that his music wasn’t good enough.

“Mr. Park,” Changbin forced out after a moment of silence while he composed himself. Felix waited patiently, rubbing soothing circles on the back of the older’s hand with his thumb. “he gave me one last chance; I can raise my grade above the quota through extra credit.”

Felix leaned on the table and watched Changbin; he stared at the other with interest to what he was about to say while secretly memorizing every line and angle on his face. Felix couldn’t help but think that his soulmate who had also become one of his best friends since coming to Korea, looked sharply handsome. The cut on his brow that was a remembrance of Changbin and Felix’s first meeting was already healed and it left a faint permanent mark where no hair grew anymore. It added to the badboy charm but of course, Felix didn’t admit that.

“What kind of extra credit?”

“To produce a whole song and perform it at the Open House next month,” Changbin sighed. “he said that it can be a way to promote the Music and Dance Department of the school to the potential enrollees next school year.”

A frown. Felix mentioned the whole department of Music and Dance which meant that even he was covered under it as well as most of his close friends since everyone either took a major and minor in it. Felix was in the dance program and he can contribute to this as well.

“Crazy idea time!” Felix perked up and suddenly exclaimed but then clamped a mouth shut over his mouth when Changbin glared at him and that at the hallway where they could be caught; Soobin’s macarons were still exposed. “Crazy idea time~” Felix said much quieter this time but with a bright grin, nonetheless.

“And what’s this crazy idea, genius?” Changbin tiled his head to the side, brows furrowed in both interest and confusion.

“Since we’re kind of in the same college,” Felix started slowly but Changbin couldn’t help but noticed the excitement in the younger’s eyes, sparkling like stars. He also felt Felix’s emotion reverberate through their thread and something inside him fluttered. “Why don’t we do a collab?”

“A…what?” Changbin spat out in disbelief, eyes wide. He wasn’t clearly expecting that. “A collab?”

“That’s exactly what I said, hyung!” Felix giggled. “You make the song and I can make the choreography for it. If you want, we can work on it together! It’s a unique twist, don’t you think? Mr. Park has to give you a high grade for that kind of effort.”

“What about you?” Changbin asked this time. “What will you get out of this?” but then, was baffled when the other just shook his head, blond locks waving in the artificial ceiling light.

“I just want to help you, Changbin,” Felix smiled brightly. “besides, I’d get to have the chance to do something I love, which is dancing.” Changbin was startled when Felix grabbed his hands again and leaned in closer. His smile was so blinding this close; it was like the sun was in his smile and the stars were in his eyes. “If I’d get to dance to something you made, help your grade, and also help promote our department get more enrollees, then it’s all good!”

Changbin found himself grinning back, his own excitement mixing with the younger’s.

He wanted to kiss Felix.

“Let’s do it, then.” He finally agreed which made flix ecstatic that he threw his arms around Changbin and pulled him into a tight and happy hug.

“You’ll get that grade, hyung,” Felix rested his chin on Changbin’s shoulder. “I know you can, you’re one of the best producers I know.”

“One of the best, huh?” As if on instinct, the older carded his fingers through soft blond locks.

“They’re Jisungie and Chan-hyung too,” Felix said as a matter of factly.

“But, I’m your favorite, right?” Felix rolled his eyes when Changbin pouted at him.

“Sure, hyung,” A roll of his eyes.

“Aw,”

“Don’t ‘aw’ me, and pack your stuff.” Felix released the hug and started stuffing his own stuff in his backpack.

“Where are we going?”

“To the arcade.”

“On a school night?” Changbin frowned and Felix snorted back a laugh.

“What are you, twelve?” he teased and Changbin let out an insulted scoff. “You’re stressed and I’m stressed so let’s go and have a little fun!” Came the gleeful suggestion.

“Well, okay,” Changbin tried not to let his insecurity show. He had always been one of those who sucked at arcade games. Usually, it was Jisung and Chan who dominated their groups’ individual scores, and Hyunjin too, when he’s all fired up after Minho teases him. “just don’t expect so much from me, okay?”

A carefree and almost arrogant shrug from Felix. “Leave it to me.” A wink, and Changbin was almost sure that he was going to combust on the spot. God, he had it bad.

*

That Friday, Felix had an evening shift at the café with Chan. He had turned in his and Soobin’s mini-research paper and bolted out of the classroom to get to the café on time. Chan was already there, and Felix spotted him waving goodbye at the mid-shift baristas, Arin and Beomgyu, who Felix remembered were Soobin’s friends.

“Hey, bro, sorry, I’m late,” Felix huffed as he slipped passed through the backdoor. Chan just patted him on the shoulder and helped him with his backpack so that Felix can go and change to his barista uniform.

“You didn’t miss out on a lot,” Chan smiled, and Felix returned it with equal enthusiasm. “you did have that paper to turn in, right?”

“Totally,” Felix sighed tiredly while he stepped into the worker’s locker room followed by Chan who handed him his bag. Felix took it and stuffed it in his locker. “I thought we weren’t going to make it but Soobin knows how to make miracles.”

“Yeah, that’s what Beomgyu says all the time. His friends really look up to him.” Chan nodded then he gestured at the dark green apron that hung behind the locker door. “Get changed, Lix. I’m going to head out there and help Lia hold the fort.”

“Got it!”

Felix’s shift went easy enough. Since it was Friday, most of the students were hitting the downtown clubs and bars so the evening foot traffic wasn’t too much. If any, there were only ten people in the whole café right now which allowed Felix and the café team to breathe easy for that shift.

“I’m done with my break, guys,” Lia sang when she entered the café from the back. She wiped her mouth with a napkin to clear away the crumbs of the strawberry shortcake that she snacked on. “Next one’s up.”

“Do you want to go first?” Felix looked up from wiping away the hardened caramel droplets on the marble counter. He looked at Chan who was restocking the pastries in the pastry display rack.

“You sure?” His Australian friend, asked. Chan worked the hardest out of all of them and he balanced that with schoolwork and producing music. It was all admirable, Felix will admit that, but he also worried about the older for working himself to the ground and not getting enough sleep to juggle everything. Felix also liked Chan a lot since the two hailed from the same hometown in Australia. He was someone Felix could comfortably speak English to and the older’s heavy accent reminded Felix of home and the two relied on each other’s company to fight the homesickness they both felt.

“Yeah, it’s fine,” And he smiled when Chan gave a little nod and hurried out into the back. Felix continued to busy himself with work. There were a few customers that walked in to buy their usual evening order which Felix had already memorized since they were regulars. One of them, was the server at the downtown diner who was also Felix’s classmate and he had learned that her name was Jisoo. Lia and Felix were able to hold the fort well even with Chan on break and Lia liked to tease that Felix was some kind of fairy who put a spell on the tip box because it always reaches the brim whenever Felix had his shift.

Five minutes before Chan’s break ended, Felix was getting ready to head out back for his break. He was a little excited because the café employees were entitled to any pastry and drink of their choice during their shift and tonight, he chose a pork floss turn over and a berry smoothie. Felix opened the back door to call for Chan and step out into the cool night air when he heard two voices talking.

“Are you free tonight, Channie?” Felix froze by the door, not daring to open it wider when he recognized that the voice belonged to Hyunjin. It was low but playful, like a seductive purr and Felix wasn’t stupid not to know its implication.

“You want to sleep over?” Chan’s voice, smooth and sweet. Felix could easily imagine the older smiling.

“Mhmm~”

Chan laughed; low and sexually suggestive. “Don’t you have rehearsals tomorrow? Don’t blame me if you can’t walk.”

Felix immediately felt his cheeks burn; he had no idea that Hyunjin and Chan were together in that way and he felt like he was intruding for eavesdropping like this.

“You’ve done me harder before and I still aced rehearsals a few hours later, what do you take me f-“ Hyunjin’s playful flirting was interrupted by his violent coughing.

“Hyunjin?!” Chan suddenly sounded worried, almost on the verge of panic. “Oh, shi- it’s gotten this bad already?!” Felix had to stop himself from rushing outside to aid Hyunjin or risk being caught eavesdropping and have his two friends get pissed at him.

“I’m fine, I’ll be…” Hyunjin coughed again and Felix heard the other spit to the ground. “…Fine.”

“You said you’ll do something about this,” Chan’s tone was hard and Felix saw the older’s shadow on the wall by the door frame bend down and haul Hyunjin up to his feet but the taller was still hunched. “did you see a doctor already?”

“Not yet.”

“Oh, fuck’s sake, Hyunjin!” Came Chan’s frustrated words.

“Don’t’ worry about it.” Hyunjin just sighed. Felix knew that he should back out because he felt wrong listening to them. He heard Chan’s voice saying something but didn’t really registered his words as he slowly closed the door. Felix was worried; was Hyunjin sick? Flu, maybe? He looked fine during class earlier today. Why didn’t he know about this? Maybe there was something he can do to help his friend?

All these thoughts ran through Felix’s mind and made him feel helpless. He hated it when he felt helpless towards helping his friends.

Suddenly, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and when he fished it out, he saw Changbin’s name on the screen.

‘Are you okay, Lix?’

A lump formed in Felix’s throat; his emotions so extreme that Changbin felt it on the other side of their thread.

‘Yes,’ Felix typed quickly. ‘are you?’ then hit sent.

‘Yeah,’ Came in Changbin’s reply a few seconds later. ‘I just felt like something’s wrong with you. Are you at work?’

Felix send a nodding animated sticker.

‘If it’s an asshole customer,’ Changbin texted. ‘try to get their name and major and I’ll beat them up.’

It took a little effort not to snort because Felix wasn’t supposed to be there just yet. ‘Behave, hyung. How’s the song going?’

‘There’s progress, wanna come over to my dorm and give the first part a listen?’

‘After my shift. See you <3’ Without thinking, Felix hit sent and realized a little bit too late that he sent a heart. He groaned internally; what if it sends the wrong message? It’s not like he didn’t like Changbin, the older was his soulmate and one of his best friends but, damn, Felix’s cheeks were burning at something so trivial as that.

“Felix?” Chan’s voice suddenly distracted the younger out of his thoughts and Felix looked up and smiled.

“Hey!” He greeted. “I was just about to step out.”

“It’s all yours,” Chan’s eye smile was warm; it was as if he wasn’t frantically worrying about Hyunjin earlier. When Felix peeked behind Chan outside, Hyunjin wasn’t there anymore. “What’s wrong?”

“Huh?” Felix tried to play dumb so that it wasn’t obvious that he was eavesdropping earlier. “I just thought I heard voices. Was someone there?”

“Oh, yeah, Hyunjin just passed by,” The older’s response was quick and breezy. Felix expected that he’d be defensive. “but he left already, said he had rehearsals.”

Felix returned the smile and lifted the paper bag and cup carrier he had. “It’s turnover night for me!”

That earned him a warm and hearty laugh from Chan who ruffled the top of his head while he passed Felix on his way inside. “You enjoy, mate.” He got his apron from the rack and stepped out at the store’s front to resume work.

It was a nice evening, as Felix found it while he sat at one of the two benches at the back of the café. It was designed to be like an urban garden which was personally kept by the café’s owner, Mr. Kim. Felix scrolled through Instagram while softly bopping his head to the music he listened to. Felix was able to finish his floss turnover halfway through his break and he was sipping on his smoothie when the brief events rolled through his mind.

“did you see a doctor already?”

“Not yet.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sakes, Hyunjin!”

A frown pulled down the corners of Felix’s mouth and he set his smoothie cup beside him. He was worried about Hyunjin and even though he wasn’t sure what was going on, he was still concerned about his friend. His eyes gazed upward just as the clouds parted to reveal a waxing moon. It lit up the little garden a bit more and Felix caught a flash of blue on the ground on his peripheral.

Carefully, Felix got up and wiped his oily hands on the back of his jeans. He focused on the specks of blue on the ground as he approached it, his steps on the concrete sounding heavy. If he was right, this was the spot where Chan and Hyunjin were just a little while ago. Felix crouched to get a closer look, but his shadow blocked the moon and the corner was a bit hard to see so he whipped out his phone and turned on the flash.

There, on the ground, in the middle of a wet spot of saliva and phlegm, were blue petals stained with blood.

“Not yet.” Hyunjin’s voice in Felix’s mind, sounding faded and far away.

“Whoah!” Changbin gasped when he caught a trembling Felix in his arms. He was in the middle of working on his extra credit track when he heard aggressive knocking on the door.

“Changbin-hyung!” Jisung, his roommate, called from the bathroom earlier. “I’m showering. Could you get that? Money’s on the table if it’s the food delivery guy!”

“Felix?” Changbin immediately hooked his arms around Felix when the younger crashed into him so they wouldn’t fall to the ground. “Felix, hey!” He started to lowkey panic when Felix buried his face into the crook of his neck, sobbing.

“Changbin…”

“Shh…” Changbin said gently while he ran a hand on the back of Felix’s head. “I got you, you’re okay… you’re okay. Let’s get you inside, yeah?”

Felix nodded and Changbin carefully guided the younger inside. He wanted to be angry when he felt Felix’s distress through their bond, but he wasn’t exactly sure who he should be angry at.

“Sorry,” Felix sobbed and just stood there after Changbin closed the front door of his dorm. “I didn’t mean to trouble you like this but…but I don’t know where else to go. I felt I should go here.”

“It’s okay,” Shaking his head, Changbin pulled Felix in his arms into a tight embrace which the younger sank into when his knees gave in. “You can always come see me if you need to. Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Before Felix could answer, they were interrupted by a panicked; “Oh my god, Felix!”

As Jisung came rushing out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed in a loose shirt and black sweatpants.

“Is he okay?” Jisung asked hurriedly. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” Changbin admitted while he guided Felix to the couch. He set the younger down, but Felix didn’t let go and dragged Changbin down with him.

“This looks bad,” Jisung frowned. “I’ve never seen him like this before. Do we need to beat someone up for you, Lix?”

Felix shook his head but refused to show his face still buried on the side of Changbin’s neck. The nuzzling motion instantly sent Changbin’s heart racing, making his protective instincts rise to the surface. Changbin closed his eyes and concentrated to send comforting emotions through their thread to help calm Felix down. It worked and the younger’s sobs quieted until he slowly pulled away, eyes wet and swollen and cheeks flushed. His lips still trembled and it took every ounce of Changbin’s strength not to lean in and kiss the hurt away from his soulmate because one, Jisung was there and two, as far as he knew, he and Felix were just friends and he didn’t want to make a move that might ruin that.

After Felix had calmed down and finished the glass of water Jisung had gotten him from the kitchen, Changbin cleared his throat to break the silence in the living room dorm.

“Do you want to tell us what happened, Felix?” He asked gently.

Felix sighed. “I’m…I’m not even sure if it’s my place to tell. I don’t even know the half of it.” He lifted his gaze and they first fell on Jisung’s wide ones since the other sat across him then to Changbin when he turned to face his soulmate. “All I know is that I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?” Changbin coaxed softly.

Felix bit his lower lip. “I don’t know if this is some big secret because no one bothered to tell me about it but…” he paused, “It’s Hyunjin. I heard him and Chan talking during shift break time and then Hyunjin started to cough violently. He threw up-…”

Changbin and Jisung visibly froze and that was when Felix knew that it really was true; everyone knew except for him.

“So, it’s true then?” His deep voice became hard. “everyone knows that Hyunjin is sick and no one bothered to tell me?”

“Like yourself, we felt like it wasn’t in our place to tell, either.” Jisung replied, brows furrowing. “We were hoping that Hyunjin would tell you since you guys are good friends, but I guess you had to find out this way.”

Felix kept quiet at that, slowly digesting what Jisung had to say. “I guess, you’re right, Ji.” He took Changbin’s hand in his in an attempt to stop his own from shaking. In response, the older rubbed the back of Felix’s hand with gentle circles.

“They were blue.”

“What?” Changbin repeated.

“The flowers,” Felix lifted his head and his teary gaze met Changbin’s dark ones. Worry reverberated through their bond. “they were blue. I…I think they were Forget-Me-Nots.”

That evening, Jisung called his soulmate to let Minho know that Felix was at their dorm so that the other would know. Since Felix was still shaken up by what happened, the four of them agreed on an arrangement that Jisung and Felix would switch dorms for the night. It was ideal since Felix needed his own soulmate’s comfort while Jisung can spend a night with his boyfriend. Cliché as it might sound, they called this scheme The Great Roommate Swap. Jisung, of course, came up with that title and it made Felix giggle which was a relief because it was worrying to see Felix so upset.

Half an hour later there was a knock on the door and when Changbin opened it to find Minho standing outside.

“I came to pick up the goods,” he said blandly.

“Hey, I’m ‘the goods’,” Jisung wagged his eyebrows at the older which made Minho roll his eyes but nonetheless, pulled Jisung close when he threw his arms around his soulmate. “Hi, baby~”

“Hey,” Minho gentle nuzzled the top of Jisung’s head. The exchange was tender between the two and Felix found it adorable because knowing Minho, the guy was reserved most of the time, but when he was Jisung, the older transformed into someone softer.

“Not on my bed, okay, guys?” Felix teased.

“I could say the same to you,” Jisung threw back a grin at him and Felix’s teasing immediately backfired when he remembered that he would be staying with Changbin for the night. He was about to retort when Jisung winked at him and beat him to it; “See you later! Don’t forget to use protection, ‘kay?” then, he slammed the door, leaving Felix shocked and red faced.

“Uhm,”

Felix almost jumped when Changbin’s voice broke the silence and when he turned around, he saw that the older’s face was also red.

“You, uh, want to take a shower first?” Changbin offered while he jabbed this thumb towards the direction of the bathroom. “You can borrow some of my clothes so it’s more comfortable.”

“Okay, thank you, hyung.”

Changbin was trying not to lose his mind while he focused on his work because Felix looked so damn good in his clothes. The blonde was laying on in the middle of his bed, curled up languidly like a cat while he scrolled through his phone. Felix was wearing one of Changbin’s gray oversized sweaters and soft white sweatpants. His hair was a shade darker since it was still damp from the shower and his lower lip stuck out while he read a post on social media.

He shook his head and groaned when he realized that he wasn’t satisfied with the beat of the part he was working on.

“What’s wrong?” He heard Felix’s deep voice pierce through the piano ensemble of the bridge of the song. Changbin removed his headphones and spun on his chair to look at Felix who was now sitting up cross-legged.

“There’s this one part that I’m not satisfied with,” Changbin sighed. “I feel like it’s missing something. It’d be great if Chan-hyung was here right now, he’d know what to do.”

“Well, uhm,” Felix bit his lower lip while he looked like he contemplated on what he was going to say. “I…I think Chan-hyung is busy with stuff right now,” Changbin arched a brow at Felix in a silent question but the younger just averted his gaze. “Can I listen to it?”

“Sure, I did ask you earlier if you wanted to listen.” Changbin handed Felix the Bluetooth headphones and the other slipped it on over his head after he got off the bed. Changbin hit play on the keyboard and nervously studied Felix’s reaction while he listened.

What if he didn’t like it?

What if it sucked?

See, this is why he was so close to flunking out—

“Oh,” Felix said softly while his eye lids fluttered close and those long lashes fanned shut. He started to sway, letting the music take over his body and Changbin felt his breath hitch when Felix’s arms started to move around gracefully, and his feet moved in steps as much as the available floorspace allowed him to.

Everything was impromptu and Felix made the steps on the spot but for Changbin, it hit differently to see someone so absorbed in dancing to one of his songs. Then like a light switch being flipped, Felix stopped and Changbin’s world turned dark.

He longed to see Felix dance so carefree. He looked so happy and the emotion that he felt from the other was pure bliss. What made Felix happy made Changbin happy and if his music can do that for Felix, then Changbin will gladly write him a million songs until he couldn’t anymore.

“Could you play it again, hyung?” Felix requested as he turned off the headphones so that the music would play on the laptop speaker instead. “There.” He pointed as they reached a certain part of the song. “I think you should re-arrange this part and then maybe add a beat?” Felix suggested. “maybe bass?”

The blonde paused and scowled at the screen. “Am I making sense? I, uhg, I’m not a producer so I don’t know how to explain what I’m thinking but I can already picture the dance.”

“I think I get what you’re trying to say.” Changbin nodded quickly and got to work on Felix’s suggestion. It took about ten minutes of various clicking of equipment before Changbin handed the headphones back to Felix. A head of soft blond locks bobbed and swayed after Changbin pressed pay and a smile lit up Felix’s face.

“This is perfect!”

Changbin grinned, relieved. “Let’s continue then.”

Felix and Changbin worked on the song all night with Changbin producing and Felix giving suggestions and drafting the choreography already. They were able to finish most of it by 4 AM and thank God it was Saturday. Felix didn’t have any classes while Changbin didn’t have class until later that afternoon so they can sleep in. Felix dropped on the bed and pulled the comforter up to his chin as he curled in. Changbin stood up from the chair and stretched his arms, groaning in satisfaction as his joints popped and he yawned.

“’Night, Lix,” Changbin muttered while he grabbed a spare pillow on the bed and started for the door.

“Where are you going?” Felix asked tiredly while he watched Changbin.

“Outside, I’ll take the couch.”

“Why not here?” Felix patted the empty spot beside him. Changbin blushed at that, he’s shared a bed with someone before, heck, been in bed with other people before but the thought to sharing a bed with Felix made him shy away at the idea. “The bed’s big enough for the both of us.”

“I…I…” Changbin stammered. “Are you sure?” he cleared his throat to push away the nervousness.

“I wouldn’t ask you if I wasn’t, hyung,” Felix ran his hand over the smooth sheets on the empty spot beside him, smiling tiredly at Changbin. It beckoned the older, and the next thing he knew, he softly chucked the pillow he was holding, and it landed beside Felix’s head with a soft ‘fwump’ before he slid in beside the younger.

Felix helpfully pulled the covers over them while Changbin reached over to bedside table to turn off the lamp, leaving them in the darkness with only Changbin’s laptop screen filling the dark room with muted light.

“Good night, hyung,” Felix whispered softly in the small space between them. There was something soft that reverberated in their bond, something that reminded Changbin of a gentle hand that stroked his hair; it lulled him to sleep. “You did great today.”

“You too,” Changbin whispered back. The two of them stared at each other for a moment that felt like forever but was over too soon when Felix smiled and turned his back to him. Even with the dim muted light in the room, their red thread shone and glowed with a brilliant crimson between them.

Changbin smiled tiredly to himself but he was also scared; he was falling…. He was falling for his soulmate too fast. He stared at the head of blonde hair and focused on Felix’s soft breathing. Changbin wondered what it would be like to hold the younger in his arms while he slept, their fingers laced together.

His tired thoughts then drifted to their friend, Hyunjin.

Petals. Hyunjin was already coughing out petals; it’s already progressed to the second stage and if Hyunjin doesn’t find the cure soon, he would…

Tears prickled the corners of Changbin’s eyes, and he fought away the morbid thoughts. He was just tired; everything will be fine. He looked at Felix’s sleeping form again to try and distract himself while he caressed with his thumb the base of their red thread that was tied around his ring finger.

Warmth filled him; Felix must be dreaming a good dream and he smiled at that.

And as exhaustion covered Changbin like a heavy blanket and pulled him into a peaceful sleep, his last thought was a sad one:

He wondered what kind of flower he’d spit out if Felix rejected him.

One week later, Felix decided to take Saturday off from practice and spend some time with his friends. Since the dancers were sore from a weeklong of classes and practice, Felix suggested that they have a sleep over at their dorm for a movie marathon night. Minho agreed and Hyunjin was always the type to tag along, so he agreed too.

“Hey, Hyunjin!” Felix greeted when he heard the door buzzer to their dorm. Hyunjin stood on the doorway with a cheerful smirk.

“Hi, sorry, I’m late,” Hyunjin lifted a plastic bag of snacks. “I got snacks as an apology.”

“Finally!” Minho called out impatiently, but he wore a small smile. “There better be drinks, Hwang.”

“Of course, what do you take me for, old man?” Hyunjin grinned when Minho glared at him.

“My mother sent a new air fryer and I haven’t tried it out yet, so why don’t I shove your ass in it for twenty minutes at a hundred and eighty degrees?”

Hyunjin backed away with a nervous chuckle. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try my, bitch.”

“I brought snacks. I deserve some love for that!” Hyunjin countered and that made Felix snickered because Minho’s shit eating grin died down. His friends were so easy to bribe with food.

“I love you for ten minutes,” Minho finally decided. “Get in here with those snacks so we can start the movie.”

“I’m surprised Jisung isn’t here,” Hyunjin plopped down on the couch beside Minho while Felix fixed up the laptop and connected it to a mini projector to enlarge the movie on the wall and hooked it up on the Bluetooth speaker. “you guys are tied to the hip.”

“We have our own lives, believe it or not,” Minho shrugged while he reached for a bag of chips. “besides, Jisung’s with Chan and Changbin doing ‘producer stuff’” he raised two fingers and did the quote-unquote gesture.

“What should we watch?” Felix interrupted when he accessed his Netflix account. “Horror? Romance? Action?”

“Horror?” Hyunjin suggested and Minho rolled his eyes and made a disgusted sound which earned a teasing smirk from the younger. “Maybe not if hyung’s going to pussy out.”

“Play it, Felix.” Minho growled and Hyunjin was triumphant that he was able to drag a scaredy-cat like Minho. Felix just laughed it off, completely playing Hyunjin’s game and he heard Minho curse when he turned off the lights as well.

In the middle of the movie, the three of them were huddled together on the couch. They were watching The Nun and Minho had pushed himself as deep as he could into the couch, all curled up and half covering his face with a throw pillow. Felix was clinging onto Hyunjin’s arm with only one eye on the screen and Hyunjin hand his fingers over his ears, ready to cover them after one too many jump scares.

By the end of the movie, the three of them were laughing and teasing each other which caused a couple of pillows being thrown. Felix picked the second movie they were going to watch for the night which was Zootopia. He dashed off for a bathroom break and when he came out, he saw Minho and Hyunjin rummaging through the plastic bags in the kitchen.

“We’re out of snacks.” Minho sighed. “Who’ll volunteer as tribute to run to the convenience store?”

“Who ate the last one?” Hyunjin asked while he gave Minho an accusing look.

“Who ate the most?” In retort, Minho arched a brow at the younger which made Hyunjin surrender with a small bow.

“I’ll go.” Felix piped in cheerfully. “Let’s go, Hyunjin?” he went over to his friend and started to tow him out of the small kitchen and to the door where their shoes were. He whined when Minho smiled smugly in victory.

“You should be sweet like Felix, Hyunjin.”

“I am sweet!” Hyunjin complained while Felix just laughed as he tied his sneakers.

It was a nice evening out; Felix really liked the weather lately and it was warm enough that he didn’t have to wear a heavy hoodie or anything like that. It was nice to feel the wind on the skin of his arms and the exposed skin below his neck where the V of his shirt dipped.

“Should we get ramyeon and microwave popcorn?” Felix asked Hyunjin who was walking beside him, matching his pace. “And wasabi chips?”

“Oh, gross,” Hyunjin made a face at the suggestion of wasabi chips. “can we get normal chips?”

“Sure,” Felix shrugged, carefree, as they continued walking. Then, Hyunjin asked;

“How’s the choreo for Changbin-hyung’s song going?”

“Oh!” Perking up, Felix grinned brightly, to Hyunjin’s amusement. “It’s going okay! Great, actually. I’ve polished the first half and I’m on the second part. Changbin-hyung’s trying to polish the final song already. It’ll be done soon.”

“I look forward to watching it.” Hyunjin smiled this time. “Did you submit the application to join the performance line-up?”

“Yup,” the ‘P’ went off with a pop.

They walked further. The convenience store wasn’t far from the university’s gates. They’d have to walk the length of the street and turn a corner. While they walked, Hyunjin suddenly paused in his tracks and grabbed both sides of his head the he desperately covered his ears with his hands.

“Hyunjin?” Felix panicked, immediately coming to his friend’s aid. The taller was hunched and he groaned something under his breathe. Felix didn’t catch most of it, but it sounded something like ‘shut up, shut up…!’

Then, coughs racked Hyunjin’s form and he fell on his knees on the hard ground, with one hand over his mouth. He turned away from Felix and the other saw a teary glare become shadowed by fading blonde bangs. Felix knew that Hyunjin was trying to hold the blue that was about to spill out. It must have been terrible and painful; Felix’s heart hurt for his friend and the distressed emotion he felt earned a tug on the string as Changbin sent their Morse code for ‘Are you okay?’. Felix tugged four times in response that he was fine, and one returned in acknowledgement from his soulmate.

“Hyunjin,” Felix crouched beside Hyunjin on the side of the empty street. He ran a gentle hand to rub Hyunjin’s back in an attempt to soothe him and calm him down because Hyunjin was crying with his sobs being muffled by his hand. Spit dribbled between his fingers as baby blue petals fell to the ground.

“I’m okay,” Hyunjin lied and Felix sighed, throat tight with worry and emotion. He wanted to cry and be angry at whoever did this to Hyunjin because he can’t bear to see his friend like this. “I just have a bad cough. Didn’t dry off from the rain well enough the other day.”

“I know about the flowers.”

Hyunjin’s shaking form stilled. He removed his hand and turned away from Felix to spit on the ground. He kept his head low, eyes trying to avoid Felix’s. “How?” a quiet question, barely audible but Felix read the way those bloodstained lips moved.

The younger sighed. “I overheard you and Chan-hyung at the back of the café last week,” he admitted. “I was about to go out for my break turn but then you were there and…Hyunjin, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I left immediately.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a handkerchief to offer it to Hyunjin.

“Who the fuck carries around a hanky nowadays?” Hyunjin asked but took the piece of fabric anyway to wipe his mouth and hands with.

“Apparently, I do,” Felix shrugged with a sad smile. “my mom made me do since I was kid back in Australia, I still do now. I guess old habits die hard.”

“Thanks, I’ll wash it and return to you.”

“Nah, you can have it.”

There was a moment of silence and Felix Helped Hyunjin up to his feet when the older was done. “I’m the one who should be sorry.” Hyunjin said finally, sad eyes searching deep into Felix’s. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

“Then, why didn’t you tell me about it, Hyunjin?” Felix asked half sad, half worried. He frowned at Hyunjin who in turn, looked lost.

“There’s no need to. I don’t want people’s pity. I already trouble the others with this, I don’t want to trouble you too.”

“You are in no way, any trouble, Hyunjin.” Desperate to get his point across, Felix reached up to push away the bangs that stuck matted onto Hyunjin’s sweaty forehead. With the shadows cast aside, Felix could see the way Hyunjin’s eyes sheened with tears. “It’s more of a trouble if something bad happens to you and you…” Felix paused, the final word came out as a choked sob.

“Oh, oh, no, Felix, no,” Hyunjin’s eyes widened in shock when Felix started to cry. His slender form shook with sobs and tears left trails over the gentle freckles that flecked his cheeks. “Please, don’t…”

“Hyunjin,” Felix sobbed. “please, please tell me you’re trying to reach out to whoever caused this to happen to you,” he sniffed and reached up to wipe away the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand but more fell. “or at least,” he hiccupped. “you’re seeking medical help to get them removed.”

“Felix,” Hyunjin’s tone was gentle, “Felix, baby, please don’t cry. I can’t,” he paused. “the person who caused this… I can’t… don’t want to contact him anymore.”

His knuckles turned white as Felix clenched his hands into fists. “What about asking help from a doctor?”

Hyunjin sighed and sniffed back. His were swollen but he no longer cried, although his lashes were still damp. “Y-yeah,” he said, the words trembling between his lips. “I’m looking into setting up an appointment but I’m still thinking long and hard about getting the surgery.”

“Hyunjin,” The younger inhaled deeply. “do you really need to think about it? You know well what will happen if-…”

“I know! Okay?!

Felix was taken back when Hyunjin snapped at him. The older seem to have realized what he had done and ran a hand down his tired face.

“Sorry, Felix,” he muttered. “I… it’s just a touchy subject. I don’t…I don’t expect you to understand.”

“I understand completely well!” He snapped back tears, in his eyes. This was starting to frustrate Felix. Why would Hyunjin need to think about getting the surgery when it was the only way to save him now that the first option’s failed?

“Back in Australia,” Felix broke the heavy silence between them before it turned awkward and ruined their friendship. “I knew a girl. She was older than me and two classes higher, but she was really nice, and she was my friend. We went to get smoothies on Fridays.”

“Felix,” Hyunjin started to interrupt slowly but stopped when Felix shook his head, a sad look in his eyes. He continued; “One day, she stopped going to school. A week before holiday break, I went to her house to visit her but,” he trailed off. “She… she….” He took a deep breath. “was gone. Her parents told me that she passed on two nights before because the flowers had already filled her lungs and the roots constricted around her heart. Her death certificate said that she died of cardiac arrest.

Felix dared to meet Hyunjin’s eyes, he was pleading to his friend through the tears that sheened in them. “No one was prepared, not even her parents. When they found out, it was already too late. The disease had progressed to the third stage and she was coughing out whole flowers, Hyunjin, whole roses. She kept it to herself. No one knew who caused the flowers to grow inside her, but I knew because she used to tell me that there’s someone she likes…I just never told anyone about it until now.”

In front of him, Hyunjin was visibly pale and his eyes looked tired and Felix spotted a smear of a blood on the corner of his friend’s lips. He reached out and used his thumb to wipe the blood away and Hyunjin’s knees started to buckle at the gentle gesture.

“Who?” Hyunjin dared to ask, the question soft and sad.

“Her name was Lisa.” Felix replied. “She moved to another country with her family. Rosé never got to tell her how she felt because Lisa had a brighter future abroad rather than if she stayed in Australia. Rosé wanted what’s best for her, so she supported Lisa even if it cost her the love that she felt.”

A love that will never again see the light of day. Her name was Rosé, and it was roses that ended her life; a tragic irony.

“I lost my friend, Hyunjin,” Felix whispered. The tears had stopped flowing but Felix still felt dismayed that Changbin pulled on the thread again, but Felix decided to ignore it for now. He’ll just text the older later. He let his eyes trail up to meet Hyunjin’s. “I don’t ever want to lose another one. I don’t know what happened between you and that person, but you certainly deserve better.”

The breath got knocked out of him when Hyunjin suddenly tackled Felix into a hug. The older buried his face into Felix’s shoulder while he shook with quiet sobs. Felix felt Hyunjin’s tears soak into his shirt, but he didn’t care. Instead, he just gently raked his fingers through the other’s hair.

“Oh, Hyunjin,” Felix murmured into Hyunjin’s hair. Felix wanted to be mad at whoever was making Hyunjin suffer like this; heck, maybe the guy deserved a roundhouse kick to the face. Hyunjin was a wonderful, kind, and a lively person with so much love to give. He certainly didn’t deserve the Forget-Me-Nots that were slowly squeezing the life out of him.

“We love you, Hyunjin, and we’re all very worried.”

The embrace became tighter. “Lix,” Hyunjin pulled back, his hands resting on Felix’s shoulders. His eyes had tears in them. “I…he…” he paused and took a deep breath. “he’s my soulmate but, he doesn’t believe it, Felix. He doesn’t believe that soulmates exist because he thinks it’s just a myth; science can’t explain it. So, when I told him how I felt before I graduated high school, he said that I was just being dramatic.” it looked like it was difficult for Hyunjin to tell. “I asked him if he could hear anything that wasn’t supposed to be around him like music when he’s not listening to anything or honking cars when he’s inside his room.” After such a rush of words, Hyunjin sighed but it came out as a broken sob.

“He said I was crazy.”

“I don’t like this person already.” Felix frowned deeply. “What’s his name and address? I’ll fight him right now.”

Hyunjin paused at that quietly giggles erupted from him despite the tears in his eyes. “You’re a sweetheart, Felix, how would you do that?”

The younger scoffed and pointed at himself, his chin jutted out proudly. “This sweetheart happens to have a blackbelt. I usually represented my class in taekwondo during sports meets in Australia.” That earned him a hug from Hyunjin, and Felix returned it, holding his friend close. “Please, Hyunjin, you have to look for medical help and get this fixed.”

“I love him, Felix.” Hyunjin admitted. “If the flowers are removed, so will my feelings. It’s all I have left of him and our friendship before it was ruined.”

“I understand that it’s hard, but you deserve to be happy and you can’t do that if you’re dead.” Felix’s words were blunt. “The love you have deserves to be returned by someone who truly deserves you. You’re so much more than what you think you are, Hyunjin, you’re his loss, not the other way around. Sometimes, fate is stupid and ties us with soulmates that suck.”

Hyunjin pulled back and looked deep into Felix’s eyes and the younger continued; “but at the end of the day, it’s your decision, okay? Continuing to love someone is a choice.” He was satisfied when Hyunjin nodded.

“I’ll open this up when I go see Dr. Kim next week.”

“Okay, Jinnie. Felix smiled now and gestured down the street. “I think we really should get food before Minho-hyung starves to death.”

“Let him.” Hyunjin rolled his eyes.

While the two of them were walking, Felix suddenly thought about asking a sensitive question.

“What’s his name, by the way?” It was already out before Felix could stop himself. “I-I mean if you don’t mind telling me.”

“Who?”

“Douchebag ‘It-Can’t-Be-Explained-By-Science’ McNerd.”

Hyunjin glanced at him and shrugged. “Kim Seungmin.”

“And your thing is supersonic hearing?” Felix’s tone was light and that made the older snort back a laugh.

“Not really supersonic. I can’t hear his voice or words but sometimes, I can hear slivers of his current surroundings and music if he’s playing guitar or listening to something but not the singer’s voice,” A pause. “I mean, I guess, that’s me. Don’t know about him. I never got the chance to find out.”

“That’s too bad.” Felix sighed and when the other gave him a confused look, he just threw a smug smile at him. “’Cause then, I would’ve said; ‘Hey, Kim Seungmin! Fuck you!’”

Hyunjin burst out laughing and threw an arm around Felix’s shoulders as they approached the store, pulling the younger towards him in an affectionate half hug and pressed a kiss on top of the younger’s blonde head.

“Changbin-hyung sure won the jackpot with you, huh, Felix?”

“Oh, shut up, Jinnie, we’re just friends.”

Felix’s warm laugh filled the night and his cheeks burned. His heart raced because for Felix, Changbin had already settled in his heart.

As the two entered the store, they didn’t notice a black sedan pull out of the parking lot. Music played on the speakers from the phone connected on the Bluetooth stereo. Changbin’s eyes narrowed sharply while he watched Felix and Hyunjin enter the store in ‘more than friendly’ terms on the rearview mirror while he maneuvered the car to the street.

“Yes, baby, I’ll let you know when we get to the recording studio, okay?” Jisung chatted with Minho animatedly from the backseat. “Our lives are in Changbin-hyung’s hands; he’s driving. Huh? Hungry? We just left the convenient store, but we didn’t run into Hyunjin and Felix there. Maybe we brushed each other’s way?” a hearty chuckle from a kid madly in love with his soulmate. “Yeah, maybe. I gotta go. Enjoy movie night. Love you, hyung!”

Oh, sure, Changbin glowered quietly at the empty road ahead of him and he gripped the steering wheel tightly until his knuckles turned white. Hyunjin is his friend but Felix is his soulmate… his soulmate that Changbin’s is getting quite close with. Seeing Felix and Hyunjin like that, it didn’t sit well with him. Are the two dating? But didn’t Hyunjin already liked someone? I mean, that’s why the flowers are there, right?

So, why?

Changbin can’t even kiss Felix’s hair like that, or put his arm around the younger like that, or even laugh with him like that.

“Changbin, are you okay?” Chan’s voice pierced through Changbin’s clouded thoughts from the shotgun seat. “Do you want me to drive?”

“I’m fine, hyung,” Changbin replied but his tone came out flat.

“You almost ran a red light,” Chan frowned. “we can switch if you’re tired. You haven’t been sleeping well enough since that argument with Professor Park.”

“You mean, Asswipe?” Changbin rolled his eyes while he eased on the breaks when they reached a road intersection. “I have it under control.”

“Are you sure?” Jisung asked from the backseat and the youngest of their trio genuinely sounded concerned. “I know how to drive too.”

“You haven’t gotten your license yet.” Changbin rebuked and Jisung pouted.

“Touche. Just don’t kill us.”

“I think Minho will kill me first before I can even do something like that to you.”

“If you can’t drive, pull over and let’s switch, okay?” Chan sighed. “You’re been awfully quiet since we left the store.”

“I’m fine.” Changbin just shrugged, tone dismissing. Chan and Jisung decided not to push and Changbin was grateful for that because he was struggling not to let his jealousy make him see red. The emotion slid down the bond and the Morse for ‘Are you okay?’ signaled from Felix’s end.

Changbin did not respond.

*

“Straighten your form a bit more like this,” Minho instructed carefully while Felix tried to follow his senior’s instruction. “If you’re going to do that jump in the middle of the song, you should gain enough momentum from the preceding step.”

“Okay,” Felix blew out while he glared at his reflection on the practice room’s mirror. He had been trying to execute the difficult move Minho had suggested and the younger was very grateful that Minho can critique, guide, and even suggest stuff for his choreography. Felix wanted to do his best and deliver an unforgettable performance, one that he hoped that would help with Changbin’s grade, interest potential enrollees and maybe if he was lucky, set a good first impression for himself that he can capitalize on until he graduates.

“Is this right, hyung?”

“Yes, good,” Minho watched him with hawk-like eyes. They were sharp and had no humor in them which was a sign that the Lee Minho with him at the moment was his mentor, not his roommate or his friend. Minho had called out Felix’s mistakes and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling but despite being scolded, Minho helped him improve. “wave you hand up higher, yes, like that. Then, do the jump.”

Felix did and landed perfectly on his feet gracefully just in time as the song ended. He stared at his reflection, bewildered, while Minho grinned at him.

“And you’re done.” The older nodded, satisfied. “Let’s take a break and then go over it one last time. Do you have classes after this?” He tossed Felix a water bottle which the other caught in perfect reflex.

“Two more,” he sighed, and he took three big gulps of water. “I don’t have a shift at the café tonight which is a good thing because I have a mountain of homework to finish.”

“Are you regretting college now?” There was a playful smirk on Minho’s face, but Felix knew that the other was just joking. Besides, he didn’t feel an ounce of regret, so he shook his head and flashed a smile.

“I’m having a great time, Minho-hyung. I don’t regret this choice one bit.”

“Babyyyyy~”

Felix noticed the way Minho’s cheeks flushed despite his annoyed groan when Jisung sauntered into the practice room. Jisung strode in with a paper bag stamped with the logo of Minho’s favorite bakeshop and behind him, Felix’s heart skipped when Changbin followed the younger music production student.

“What are you doing here, Jisung? I thought you had class.” Minho asked, bewildered when Jisung put the paper bag in his hands.

“The teacher didn’t show up because of a ‘personal emergency’,” Jisung shrugged. “so, hyung and I beat it out of there and went to get some iced coffee. I got you your favorite shortcake. Sugar gives lots of energy, you know.”

Then, Jisung beamed at Felix. “You look like you’re hard at work. Is that for the Open House show?”

“Uh-huh! Minho helped me finish the last bit of choreo for Changbin-hyung’s song. The next two weeks, I’m going to practice really hard to polish it. Do you want to watch, hyung?” He beamed proudly at Changbin.

“Maybe next time, Lix,” That smile died at what Changbin said and he just gave back a quick and polite smile before he nudged at Jisung. “Bro, I need to go.”

“All of a sudden?” Jisung frowned, confused.

“Yeah,” the older scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Wooyoung just texted and said that he wanted to meet up. I’ll see you guys later, ‘kay?” He gave a dismissive wave at his friends but did not even bother to meet Felix’s eyes. He turned on his heel and quickly left the practice room. Felix felt something through the soul thread that he can’t completely make out, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that Changbin was upset at him.

Maybe he was overthinking things and being paranoid? Felix did notice that he and Changbin barely talked this week; the only time they did was when the older sent him an email containing the finished song but otherwise, there was barely any communication between them. He realized that there weren’t even ‘tugs’, was Changbin upset because of that?

“Hey, man,” Jisung’s voice quickly pierced the silence. Felix looked at him, confused and a little bit surprised. “Can I watch?”

Felix didn’t expect that. He blinked twice and while he registered what Jisung just said. “Sorry?”

“I said,” the other laughed. “can I watch you practice? I got nothing better else to do and Minho-hyung taught you so I think it would be interesting. Besides, maybe I can help with some constructive criticism too?”

“Really?”

“Yes, Felix, really,” Minho smiled. “Jisung’s a really good dancer.”

“Well,” Round cheeks puffed up when Jisung grinned. “when you’re dating and are tied by the universe to the best and most promising dancer in the whole school, you gotta keep up.”

Minho rolled his eyes, but he blushed at the compliment. Felix couldn’t help but smile at how adorable and so stupidly in love his friends were with each other. “Sure, Ji.” He put down his water bottle while Jisung took a seat beside where Felix’s and Minho’s bags were on the floor. Felix got in position in front of the mirrors while Minho managed the phone that was connected to the speakers.

The music started and Felix let himself be pulled in the trance of his art.

The following day was Felix’s free day because his only class for the day was cancelled due to the teacher being sick. Instead, the TA emailed them with some modules and some exercises to be submitted the following day. After Felix scanned through the homework file, he realized that the questions were easy and guessed that this was just compliance so that the professor will have a basis for their grade. So, he decided to do it later that night and just spend the day resting. He had been working hard the past few days trying to perfect the dance. Minho already gave Felix the greenlight that the whole choreography was fine with him, so Felix just focused on polishing it.

Steam rose from the sink where Felix had drained the hot water from the pasta he cooked. He looked at the pot of pasta and frowned; shit, it seems that he made too much. Apparently, Felix had made a miscalculation and made more than what he and Minho can eat tonight.

“I know!” Felix perked up. “I’ll just give some to the others!”

A good hour later, Felix had four containers of freshly made aglio e olio with grated parsley, oregano, and parmesan cheese. He decided to divide it by dormitory; one for him and Minho, then Changbin and Jisung, then Chan and his roommate who was a graduating senior, Brian Kang, and finally, Hyunjin who didn’t have a roommate that schoolyear. Despite that, Felix still made Hyunjin’s portion the same as the others because his health wasn’t the best right now. Good food always helped, that’s what Felix believed.

Since everyone had classes, Felix sent a photo of the pasta containers in their group chat and told everyone to pass by his dorm to pick up their food. Responses immediately poured in, the first one, being Jisung who sent a sticker of a happy looking squirrel. Felix chuckled, when it came to food, it was Jisung who was always first in line.

<J.One> LIX YOU’RE THE BEST. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH THANK YOU FOR FEEDING US jflkdsjfldsf;lsa

<LeeKnowIsCute> Do we have the biggest portion, Felix?

<FelixNavidad> I divided it equally.

<LeeKnowIsCute> Do you think these ingrates deserve to eat as much as we do?

<princehwang> HEY. YOU LOVE US.

<LeeKnowIsCute> Sure.

<J.One> I love you, hyung <3 <3 <3

<LeeKnowIsCute> WE TALKED ABOUT THIS.

<princehwang> YALL. Take this to your private chat!

<FelixNavidad> Awww…

<dwaekki99> **puking emoji**

<CB97> I don’t have enough caffeine in my system for this.

<CB97> You’re so sweet, Felix. I’ll drop by later after class!

<FelixNavidad> Share it with Brian, okay?

<CB97> If he comes home tonight, sure. But if he stays over at his bf’s place, then sorry, it’s ALL mine 😊 hahahaha…

<princehwang> Actually, I skipped out today too. Not feeling well. Can someone pass by here and bring the pasta pls? :c

Felix frowned at his phone. If Hyunjin would have to wait until one of them brought the food to him, he’d have to wait ‘til late this afternoon because that was when the classes are done.

<FelixNavidad> I can bring it over now. What’s your room number?

<princehwang> wow really? It’s 0320. It can’t believe I never told you lol.

<FelixNavidad> Ok. Omw.

<J.One> I’ll drop by at 5. I’ll deliver Minho-hyung to your doorstep too.

<LeeKnowIsCute> Why aren’t you focusing in class?

<J.One> Cuz this is about food and that’s important.

<LeeKnowIscute> **eye roll emoji**

<CB97> Don’t let Jisung steal my share okay? :<

<J.One> Hyung, I’m offended that you’d even think of me that way.

<CB97> Happened before so… **shrug emoji**

Seen: dwaekki99

Felix felt a strange and heavy feeling from the thread, and he tugged the Morse to ask Changbin if he was okay.

He got no response and Felix groaned in irritation. What was up with Changbin lately?

After making sure that Hyunjin was alright and giving him his share of the pasta. Felix rode the elevator down of that part of the annex. The quiet hum of the cab as it descended wandered into his ears, making him feel sleepy. He still had to clean the pots when he got home since he and Minho had a ‘clean as you go’ rule in their dorm. The elevator dinged and the doors opened; Felix’s heart stopped when he saw Changbin standing on the other side.

“Hyung?”

“Felix!”

The words came out together and it made both blush. Changbin was better at hiding it than Felix who turned beet red, but he felt Changbin’s fluster slide down their thread. The older looked disheveled like he ran all the way back to the dorms. His black hair was wind swept over his undercut, sweat sheened on his forehead and he panted while he tried to catch his breath.

“Are you okay? What happe- Changbin!” Felix wasn’t able to finish when Changbin stepped inside the elevator and right in front of Felix, cornering the younger in the elevator cab. “What’s gotten into you lately?”

“Did you go and see Hyunjin?”

Dark, narrowed eyes bore into his but Felix felt the older’s emotion; it burned, like a fire that crawled underneath Felix’s skin. Fire and disdain and… jealousy? Felix felt ice cold electricity slide down his spine and his heart hammered against the side of his ribs. 

“Did you see him on your own?” Changbin repeated and this time, the words slipped through gritted teeth.

“And what if I did?” Felix crossed his arms over his chest, refusing to be intimidated despite being cornered. Changbin might be shorter than Felix by an inch or two but his presence was something else.

“You read the chat, didn’t you? Hyunjin’s sick and you do know that he is sick.” He put emphasis on those words to get his point across about Hyunjin’s condition. “I’m only trying to be a good friend to him.”

Changbin scoffed. “What’s your boundary of friendship, Felix? Do kisses count, huh?” He stepped forward and Felix felt the cold mirror of the elevator wall on his back as he pressed himself against it.

“Kisses? What kisses?” Felix asked, words trembling and soft.

“I saw you two at the convenience store last week,” Changbin huffed, narrowing his eyes at Felix and the other felt his heart constricted; the thread felt like it was on fire. Anger, it was anger. Changbin was angry and Felix had never seen him this riled up before. “Friends don’t act like that towards each other.”

Oh, so suddenly, what Felix does with his friends was suddenly Changbin’s business? That’s ridiculous, who does this guy think he is? He might be Felix’s soulmate, but he was asking like a real dick right now. It irked Felix; he was only trying to look after Hyunjin and then here comes Changbin telling to his face what Felix should and should not do with his friends.

The nerve of this fucking little-

“Would you stop!?” The outburst that came from Felix rippled through the empty elevator car with just the two of them. Felix’s voice was loud, and it echoed through the walls. “Who do you think you are to tell me what and what not to do with my friends?” Felix jabbed a finger at Changbin’s chest and the older glowered back at him.

“I’m older than you…!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, so what?” Felix snapped. “I have an older sister and I yell at her when I’m pissed at her bullshit so what makes you any special? I’m sick of people here pulling rank because of age, especially you.”

“Felix,”

“No, let me finish!” Felix held out hand to push Changbin away from him and he stomped to the closed elevator doors. “you don’t get to tell me how I should treat my friends. What’s wrong with a kiss on the head or hand holding or walking to the fucking store together?”

“I didn’t say that there was anything wrong with that!” Changbin argued back. “All I’m saying is that… people can get the wrong idea!”

“So, now you care what other people would think?” Felix scoffed.

“Well, I’m certainly getting ideas!”

“What ideas?!”

“Are you guys together?” Changbin suddenly asked, the question sounding forced and a feeling of dread washed over Felix. It became clear to the younger as he sensed the distress from Changbin that there was also pain that felt like thousands of pricks on Felix’s chest.

“Why are you so jealous?!” the blonde snapped a little too loudly that his deep voice pitched and echoed in the elevator as he yelled at Changbin.

The realization hit and Felix froze.

All of a sudden, his throat felt dry and he felt like his mouth was filled with gravel. “Wait, is this what this is all about? You’re jealous that I’m physically close with Hyunjin?”

Changbin merely looked away from him and sighed but, he nodded without looking at Felix and the younger felt the older’s embarrassment as his own and the fear that tethered between anticipation and heartbreak.

“Just answer the question, Felix,” Changbin sighed heavily. Felix noticed that Changbin really did look tired, like he hasn’t slept in days, or maybe the whole week. There were bags under his eyes and he also looked like he didn’t eat enough. That fire in Changbin’s dark eyes was gone. He looked tired and defeated and Felix suddenly felt bad for yelling at him.

Instead, Felix said; “And if I am?”

Changbin’s shoulders sagged but he struggled to keep a neutral expression. However, the soul bond did not lie, and Felix was consumed by a heavy pain in his chest., so heavy that it hurt, like his own heart was about to crack.

“If you are,” Changbin’s words were quiet and strangled. “then, I will be happy for you. I’ll still be your friend if you want. I just need a clear answer so that I don’t take my chances.” A pause and he dared to hold Felix’s gaze. “So, are you?”

Mesmerized by those dark eyes, Felix wordlessly shook his head. Changbin nodded and heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

“Wh-what’s that supposed to mean?” Heat burst in Felix’s face when he felt the dread slowly fizzle out and drown away with the warmth that filled him. A blush brushed over his freckles and Changbin gave a small smile without breaking their eye contact.

The response was blunt because Changbin wasn’t the type to beat around the bush; “I like you, Lee Felix.”

Shocked silence filled the elevator car while Felix stared at Changbin, mouth agape. His lips moved but no incomprehensible words came out. Felix jolted when the elevator door dinged and they opened to reveal three students on the other side, judging by the books they were carrying, they were probably freshmen like Felix.

They stared at each other, two to three. They became flustered when Changbin gave them an unamused glare.

“We’ll just take the stairs,” the tallest in the group muttered apologetically after they realized that the people in the elevator were clearly in the middle of something. “Sorry!” the doors immediately closed when no one stepped in, leaving Changbin and Felix in the unmoving car again.

“Can we talk somewhere more private?” Changbin asked, looking embarrassed and irritated at the same time

Felix considered it for a moment then nodded. He had to admit, this was not how he pictured someone confessing their feelings to him, but he was also ecstatic and when the words Changbin told him sank in which made his heart flutter.

 “What about your place?” Felix suggested. “It’s nearer and we won’t be bothered there. Jisung’s classes won’t end until-…” he paused and stared intently at Changbin, bewildered at the realization. “wait, you’re supposed to have class right now.”

But Changbin just shrugged. “I ditched. Priorities.”

“And those priorities would be…?”

Changbin kept quiet and just punched the button to the fifth floor where his dorm was located. The elevator car hummed quietly as it pulled up and the few seconds, they spent in that elevator felt like an eternity. The moment the doors opened, Changbin grabbed Felix by the wrist and led him out. The two of them half ran to Changbin’s dorm and Felix started laughing along the way; it finally sank into him.

Changbin likes him.

And he liked Changbin back.

The happy sound cracked a grin on Changbin’s face, and he started to giggle along, not caring if their voices echoed through the hall loudly. Most of the students were still in class and they can make as much noise as they wanted for all Changbin cared.

Changbin fumbled through his jacket pockets for his card key and quickly slid in on the lock device to open the door. The two of them stumbled inside the empty dorm and the moment that the doors closed and locked automatically, Felix threw his arms around Changbin’s neck. The older’s arms locked around Felx’s slender waist and Changbin lifted him up and spun him around once. Felix laughed loudly, feeling each other’s happiness through the thread.

“I like you, Felix,” Gentle words when Changbin set Felix down but did not let go. “I really, really, like you.”

“Me too, hyung.” Felix breathed. He smiled and closed his eyes when he dared to press his forehead against Changbin’s, neck slightly bent down because of their little height difference. He settled into those strong arms when he felt pure overjoyed emotion through their bond. When Felix opened his eyes, he was met by Changbin’s eyes boring deep into his. They sparkled within that reminded Felix of midnight stars and take-away cup of hot coffee between his fingers while he walked underneath them.

“Don’t ever worry, okay?” Felix’s hand slowly moved towards Changbin’s face and he gently ran his knuckles down the other’s cheek in a featherlight touch. He adored the way color filled those cheeks and decided that Changbin looked adorable when he blushed. “Hyunjin’s is my friend but, cheesy as this may sound? I already have my heart set on someone else.” A pause. “You.”

“Yeah, that does sound cheesy,” Changbin teased which made Felix pout.

“Hyung!”

“I’m kidding!” Changbin took Felix’s small hand and brought it to his lips where he pressed a kiss on his knuckles. Felix’s heart was banging itself against his ribcage as Changbin looked up and half smiled, half smirked at him. “Cheesy enough for you?”

They stared at each other, just wrapped in each other’s arms. For some reason, it felt like a long time coming probably because Felix cared about Changbin already before they’ve met. Even with the little tugs that held secret messages when they were younger, they were part of each other’s day. Felix leaned in once again and pressed his forehead against Changbin’s while he closed his eyes as he gently rubbed the tip of his nose on Changbin’s.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked softly, breath ghosting between the small gap they had left. His lids slowly fluttered open to stare into dark eyes that glinted, and Felix smiled when Changbin nodded and angled his head to the side. Felix followed the lead and closed in the distance between them and he felt his heart explode with the joy that slid through the red thread when their lips finally met.

The kiss was gentle from the shyness between them. As the seconds passed and the waters were tested, their kiss turned more fervent and willing. Felix felt himself flush deeply when he felt Changbin smirked within the kiss and the other seemed to enjoy every single moment of it.

They pulled apart for air and stared at each other with stupid grins on their faces. Something inside Felix told him that he had wanted this for so long and now that he does, nothing could compare to his soulmate who stood in front of him holding him close after years of being a mystery.

“So, uhm, coffee?” Changbin asked shyly and Felix found it adorable how this big scary and intimidating rapper on stage can be so cute.

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

Changbin smiled. “Yeah, I am.”

*

The group was ecstatic when Changbin and Felix broke the news to them that they started dating. Jisung wouldn’t stop going on about how their group had a soulmate duo now. Chan hugged them both and feigned sobbing like a mother in her child’s wedding because Changbin has finally found his other half.

“Please take care of our Binnie, Lix,” He dabbed away invisible tears from his eyes while he hauled both Changbin and Felix into a tight, warm hug. “He seems rough around the edges but he’s really sweet.”

“Hyung, stop,” Changbin groaned but the tips of his ears were red while Felix laughed gleefully.

“I think Changbin-hyung will be in good hands.” Jisung agreed with a nod. “I mean, just look at them; they look so happy!”

“Take care of our little Felix,” Hyunjin sighed longingly and ruffled the mop of blonde hair on top of his head. “he’s our youngest.”

“If he ever comes back to me crying because you denied watching anime with him, I’ll make sure you’ll never be found again.” Minho’s tone was flat and honestly a little threatening and Jisung’s quiet stare did not make it any better when he mouthed to them ‘I know a good spot.’

“Hey, suddenly, you guys don’t trust me now?” Changbin frowned. “I have principles, you know!”

The group of friends and their laughter filled the air. It was a Saturday and the weather was perfect for a picnic which Felix had suggested a few days before. Now, they sat on a big blanket laid out on the grass. The Han river was a dark grayish blue painted between the greens of the trees and the canvass of the sky with the buildings of Seoul protruding through the horizon. Each pair of dormmates brought their own contributions for the food and Chan also brought a Bluetooth speaker so they can play some music while they had their picnic. The park wasn’t particularly full today, probably because it was a weekday and a lucky stroke that everyone didn’t have classes today because by chance, most of the professors are out attending an Educator’s Summit.

Minho fed Jisung a tteokbokki then one to Hyunjin. Changbin was busy scrolling through Chan’s music library while Felix and Chan engaged in conversation, their voices deepening while their accents came into play like it usually does when they spoke in English.

“Oh, by the way, everyone,” Hyunjin spoke up and he visibly gulped when five pairs of eyes all focused on him. His lower lip slightly quivered nervously. “You see, I took Felix’s advice to see a doctor about my condition.”

Felix’s mouth slowly parted in shock. “Y-you did? How did it go?”

“Yeah, tell us!” Jisung urged gently when Hyunjin started to look conscious but there was trust between all of them and which encouraged him. “will you be okay?

“I don’t know yet,” The tall blonde admitted softly. “I’m scheduled for an Xray the day after tomorrow and a consultation.”

“That’s great!” Felix exclaimed. He grabbed Hyunjin’s hands and clasped them into his, squeezing them to give assurance to his friend. “I’m so, so proud of you for seeking help, Hyunjin!”

The taller blonde smiled tightly and nodded. “I can’t say that I’m not scared to go on my own.”

Glancing at each other, Chan spoke up shortly. “I’ll go with you, Hyunjin, if you want.”

“Me too.” Minho volunteered and Chan threw him a warm smile while beside him, Jisung beamed with pride. “Just tell us what time.”

“But, don’t you guys have classes?” Hyunjin frowned at them then his eyes widened when Chan and Minho just glanced at each other and smirked at him. “Don’t tell me you’re skipping for me!”

“Okay, we’re not saying that we’re skipping classes for you,” Chan smiled innocently.

“But, we’re not saying that we won’t either.” Minho grinned and high fived Chan.

Hyunjin just stared at the people in front of him and then Felix scooted closer to him and pulled him into a hug where he finally let the dam break. Hyunjin sobbed into the younger’s shoulder while Felix stroked his hair pulled up into a half pony.

“You guys are the best.”

“We know!” Jisung laughed and threw himself into the hug then pulled Minho in it who complied with a roll of his eyes. Changbin joined in with a grin while he sandwiched Felix between him and Hyunjin and Chan completed their dog pile hug, taking in everyone as much as his arms can take.

“You really should drop the name of this fucker, Jinnie,” Changbin said. “So, I can have a nice long talk with them… with my fist, maybe.”

Felix tutted at his soulmate. “We do not condone violence in this family, Binnie-hyung.”

Changbin just scoffed and pressed his cheek on the back of Felix’s head. Hyunjin just chuckled softly, voice thick with tears.

“Don’t waste your time, hyung.” He told Changbin. “We can’t force people to love us, right?” and smiled sadly when the older just huffed in response.

“But, you’ll be okay, right?” Jisung pulled back from their pile and frowned at Hyunjin.

“I guess?” Hyunjin seemed unsure. “I’ve been doing some research and as long as the disease hasn’t progressed to the third stage, the flowers can be kept at bay by medicine until such time I decide to get the surgery to have them removed.”

Felix froze at that because he remembered that night when he was on the way to the convenience store with Hyunjin;

“I love him, Felix.”

It must be a difficult for Hyunjin to make a choice. To remove the flowers would mean that the love that Hyunjin has for his soulmate would be gone too. The thread would remain, but the feelings wouldn’t; it would just be Hyunjin being connected to Kim Seungmin after that.

“Hey, Jinnie,” Felix spoke up and Hyunjin turned to look at him when his attention was called.

“Yeah?”

“You don’t mind that the thread would remain?” Felix asked softly. He felt grateful when Changbin’s hand gently took his and squeezed. He felt the older’s concern comforting his worries through their bond. “I mean, the flowers would be gone but the…” he paused; he shouldn’t be spilling Hyunjin’s secrets when he wasn’t even sure if the others knew.

Changbin picked up on Felix’s feelings and gently nudged the younger with his shoulder. “It’s okay, we know, Lix.”

Felix appeared to relax when Hyunjin smiled and nodded. He guessed that he had a lot to catch up on for the semesters that he wasn’t there yet.

“Are you talking about the music?” Hyunjin asked and Felix nodded. The taller laughed; “Nah, you guys don’t worry about that, okay? I’ve got that covered. I had the thread blocked I don’t even hear anything anymore!”

Jisung’s eyes widened and beside him, Minho pursed his lips. Chan’s brows furrowed in concern too. Felix can very well feel the shift in the air; everyone seemed worried.

“Who did you go to for that?” Chan asked. “I hope they know what they’re doing.”

“Well, I don’t get bothered with hearing shit from that stupid ass anymore. I’ve been sleeping better too!”

Chan did not look convinced. “Hyunjin.”

The blonde rolled his eyes and wiped away the remaining traces of tears from his lashes. “I went to that senior, Park Jihyo.”

“Oh, she’s in that special branch of the Park clan, huh?” Chan muttered.

Felix frowned and beside him, Changbin looked clueless as well. Apparently, it was the two of them who were new to this soulmate thing considering that they’ve recently just found each other.

“Do you have any idea what they’re talking about Binnie-hyung?” Felix turned to look at this soulmate turned boyfriend.

“I think they’re taking about Seers.”

“Seers?” Felix repeated. He racked his head for any stories that his relatives might have told him when he was a kid but came up with nothing.

“Seers are special people who can see and manipulate other people’s red threads,” It was Chan who answered this time. “they’re called many things; Weavers, Seers, depends on the part of the world, actually.”

“Here in Korea,” It was Minho this time. “there are clans that specialize in them but it’s a supernatural art that’s slowly dying out. Only a few practices them now in the name of tradition and legacy.”

“Bad things can happen if the seer is inexperienced. The red thread is a sensitive thing.”

“I know that,” Hyunjin frowned. “and I feel fine, hyung. I’m able to sleep well and focus now.”

Chan looked unsure but he trusted Hyunjin and nodded; “Okay. If Park Jihyo was able to help you then that’s good.”

“So, the Parks can, huh?” Jisung wondered.

“Park is a very common surname here. From what I know, it’s the main line that practices the art.” Minho nodded. “That’s what my grandmother told me.”

“What about the Lees?”

Minho winked at Jisung. “The Lees are known to be very good looking.” Felix snickered and high fived Minho when the older raised his hand.

“Oh my god,” Hyunjin snorted back a laugh. “sure, whatever.”

“I told you the reason why we have two chopsticks and two eyes, right?” The words came out quickly in a single breath and a blank expression and Jisung burst out laughing.

“See! I told you Minho-hyung can rap!”

They all laughed at that before Hyunjin mellowed down and looked at them with so much love in his eyes.

“You guys are the best.”

The six of them all fell into another dog pile hug, their laughter dancing in the air.

*

A week before the performance, Felix had been practicing harder than ever. After he finished his homework in the library, he would go straight to the dance studios to practice until late at night. Sometimes, Minho and Hyunjin dropped by to check up on him and assess the progression of the dance. By that time, Felix was already practicing using the final and polished version of Changbin’s song and it was a big help because at least he can dance with the actual song now.

He panted while he stared at his reflection after he did the jump and the air spin that led to the ending pose with his hand reaching up to the sky. As the final notes of the melody faded, Felix slowly closed his fingers as if he was grasping the moon above him. He closed his eyes and let the music hum in his veins, remembering the nights when it was Changbin who was working on the song.

Felix felt his soulmate’s passion and the various emotions of euphoria, surprise, and satisfaction slide through their thread. He could really tell that Changbin loved what he did and that was music. Felix felt proud of his soulmate too, especially whenever he watched him perform on stage and Felix can only hope that his dance can do the song justice.

Repeating the song again, Felix got into position and danced with his whole heart and soul. He let his body try to do the talking as it interpreted the feelings of the song. There were no lyrics, so Felix felt like he’s still not doing the song any justice because he didn’t know the meaning or the story behind it. All he knew were Changbin’s feelings when he made the song.

His Binnie was so happy. He was so…

So…

Without even noticing it, Felix had reached the second part of the song and he made a movement with his arms as if he was plucking something from his chest and raising it to the sky to let it fly into the wind with a gentle wave.

Another pair of arms appeared in his vision as he stared at his own against the brown backdrop of the studio’s ceiling.

Changbin wasn’t as graceful as Felix but he followed Felix’s movements as a partner would, letting him lean on him and dance around him, spinning the younger around until the two of them were lost in their own little world where it was just the two of them and the music.

“What are you doing here, Binnie?” Felix’s voice was gentle while he slowly ran a gentle hand down Changbin’s cheek but when the older reached out for him, Felix gracefully hopped back with one swift move as if he was avoiding him but playing with him at the same time, encouraging Changbin to run after him. Felix gasped when Changbin caught him by the waist and lifted him up and Felix bent back, body moving with the momentum.

“I felt you dancing,” came Changbin’s voice in the shell of Felix’s ear, hot and panting from their ongoing dance. “I wanted to see you and I was not disappointed.” He turned Felix until the younger faced him, his small hands flat against Changbin’s chest. Felix’s felt his fingertips tingle with his soulmate’s heartbeat.

“You look beautiful, Felix.”

Felix smiled. He was already breathless from dancing but having Changbin so close to him, to have Changbin dance with him as if they were one, it took Felix’s breath away. The older grinned as he felt Felix’s euphoria as his own. The song slowed while it reached its end and Changbin timed the beat to pull Felix closed against his chest before he guided the younger to dip down, their faced so close that their breaths lingered between them.

The moment suspended in time, something rushed between them that reminded Felix of the warmth that kissed his skin whenever the sun rose and the quiet calm when it set into the inky canvas of the night. It was warm and cold and fast and slow. It was scary and beautiful and confusing at the same time, but looking at Changbin and having Changbin with him, Felix felt the happiest.

It dawned to him that he was in love with Seo Changbin.

A gentle smile from Changbin as he carefully lifted Felix back up to his feet and the other regained his balance.

“I never knew you could dance, hyung,” Felix found his voice after he struggled to calm his racing heart.

“I can but I’m not great at it,” Changbin shrugged. “you’re much better at it than I am.”

“I am a dance major after all,”

Changbin chuckled, the sound music to Felix’s ears. He wanted to hear that laugh every second of his life. “What did you think of that?” Felix asked. “I mean, before you stepped in and decided to become my partner, that was the choreo.”

“I think you did well with it. You’ll totally kick ass next week.” Changbin grinned but then that faded when Felix’s brows furrowed, and he bit his lower lip as if he was in deep thought. “Felix?”

“Are you sure?” Felix asked. “I feel like I’m not doing enough justice to your song, hyung.”

“What? It really does look great, Lix!”

“I feel like something is missing,” Felix hummed. “What if you told me the significance of the song? Maybe I can enhance the choreography more if I knew the message behind it.”

“Message?” Changbin looked confused now.

“Yeah, what are you trying to say with that song? Surely, there’s a message or even a story behind it.”

Changbin tapped his lower lip while he though of what to say. “I’m not really sure. All I know is I enjoyed my time making that song and uhm,” he lowered his gaze to the floor.

“Binnie?”

“I was thinking of you when I made this song.”

The confession left Felix wide-eyed and speechless. He stared at Changbin as if the older had grown a second head. “Hyung, I… wow. Thank you.” He leaned in and pressed a single kiss on the other’s lips. It was short and brief, but it had Felix’s heart in it.

“You’re welcome.” Changbin chuckled, looking at Felix lovingly. “Go shower and let’s find some food.”

A roll of his eyes; “Just say you want to take me on a date.” Felix teased but Changbin wasn’t having any of it. Felix felt his heart stutter when his soulmate flashed him one of side smirks that Felix found undeniably sexy. A soft moan slipped out of Felix when Changbin leaned in this time to capture his lips with his and the younger pressed himself harder against Changbin’s hard chest. Felix gasped softly when Changbin gently bit down his lower lip and pulled away from the kiss with a soft tug on it in a silent promise that they will continue at the dorm later where it was more private.

“Go shower and get dressed so that I can take you out to dinner.” Changbin pecked him on the lips then walked over to where their bags were on the table at the corner of the room.

Felix fell just a little bit more.

*

On the weekend eve of the Open Week, all the committees were busy making last minute preparations. Student volunteers were rushing around the campus to check up on the programs to make sure that everything was set up for the visitor tours. In the bigger buildings owned by the Political Sciences, Business, and Arts, the biggest classrooms were reserved to allow for visiting students to sit in with the regular enrollees so that they can listen in the lectures.

“Banners that displayed the crests of the various colleges and their respective colors hung on the posts and courtyards and the printing shops all had their hands full with printing the academic program brochures. Even the varsity teams set up friendly games among themselves to showcase the competency of the student athletes and attract potential students to join if they decide to enroll in Seoul University next school year.

At the college café, Felix was helping the owner carry out a giant stuffed alpaca plushie to sit on a stool outside by the door. Mr. Kim Seokjin was a really nice guy, a hard worker and Felix liked him as a boss. He was stern and professional when it came to work matters but when it was off-hours, he got along with the staff well and sometimes treats them to free coffee and pastry from the shop after a long and busy day.

Kim Seokjin was an alumni of Seoul University who majored in film and minored in business administration. The school just had a special place in his heart that he decided to set up a coffee shop here so that he had a reason to go back. When he wasn’t around, he was a celebrity model and actor. Felix had seen him on TV and when Chan suggested that he apply as a part time barista and he got the interview, he had to fight tooth and nail not to fanboy when he walked into Seokjin’s office.

Despite being a celebrity both in and out of the campus, owning a small business and being married to one of the most brilliant doctors in all of Seoul, Seokjin was a very humble guy who was adored by his staff.

“Is this better, sir?” Felix asked while he arranged the giant white bipedal alpaca plushie to sit on the stool. That giant stuffed toy whom Seokjin named RJ, was the café’s mascot. It was this white fluffy alpaca that had a red bandana around its neck and had the cutest face Felix has ever seen. RJ was so cute that Felix and Jisung even conspired to kidnap it and take turns in hiding it in their dorms. Changbin and Minho had to put a stop to that devious plan because one, Seokjin will be upset and two, having a five foot giant alpaca stare at them with those soulless dotted eyes while they had sex wasn’t very thrilling.

“A little bit to the left,” Seokjin instructed, standing a few meters away so that he can see the positioning well. Felix complied. “A little bit more…aaand perfect!” Seokjin walked over with a paper bag and pulled out a big stuffed bread plush before he placed it between RJ’s ‘fore-hooves’ or hands, even Felix can’t tell. After that, Seokjin pulled a cap from the bag and placed it neatly on top of RJ’s head. Felix recognized that the emblem stitched on the cap belonged to the film department.

“That’s so cool and really adorable!” Felix beamed while he wiped his sweaty hands on his apron. “It’s like RJ is a student here too.”

“Let’s hope RJ will bring in lots of customers and maybe convince new students to enroll next year.” Seokjin sighed but he smiled, dark eyes turning dreamy for a second. “I’ve always loved Open House week. It’s one of my favorite annual events.”

“Did you participate in it a lot when you were a student here, Mr. Kim?”

“Oh, yeah, totally,” Seokjin nodded. “We are seven in my group of friends but only three of us were very excited. I remember that we had to drag the other four along.”

“Your husband too?” Felix smiled, knowing that Seokjin’s husband, Dr. Kim Namjoon, also studied here. The memory made Seokjin snort and roll his eyes.

“That nerd? Yeah, I had to drag his ass out of his medical books and force him to touch some grass but he’s really good with talking to people, and oh!” Seokjin clapped his hands once when he remembered something. “Did you know, Felix? Open Houses also became a competition among us back then!”

“A competition?” Felix repeated, confused.

“The five of us are all from different majors while the other two were dance majors,” Seokjin said with a bright smile lighting up his handsome face. “During open house week, we get fifty course program brochures each and talk to visitors about our course offerings then give out a brochure. The one with the most by the end of the week treats the rest to a meal.”

Felix blinked; that idea actually didn’t sound bad. “That might have given me an idea.” He grinned then it faded when he remembered. “Hm, but it would be three against three in my group. Three of us are in music production and the other three are dance majors.”

Seokjin snorted. “At least you have teams, kid. Back in my day, it was a battle royale.” Then he perked up. “Oh, I heard you have a dance performance this week?”

“On Wednesday,” Felix nodded. “I’ll be performing the song my boyfriend produced.”

“Is it Chan? You’re both from Australia, right?” Seokjin asked.

Felix’s eyes widened and shook his head, an embarrassed blush blanketing his freckles. “Chris? No way! My…My boyfriend is also my soulmate. It’s Chan’s friend, Changbin.”

Seokjin stared at him and then blinked twice as it registered to him before he laughed that adorable laugh of his that reminded Felix of windshield wipers screeching on wet glass. “God, why does that remind me of Yoongi and Hobi?”

“I’m sorry, sir, who?”

“Oh, they’re some of my best friends that I went here with. They live in Daegu now though, set up a nice and cozy life there. Yoongi’s a producer and Hobi has a dance school.”

“Oh, cool, they’re married?”

Seokjin rolled his eyes. “First ones in the group to get hitched after graduation.” He shook his head. “Yoongi’s patient but Hoseok is a little bit too eager and excited. It wasn’t a problem since they found out they were soulmates early in freshmen year, so I guess it all worked out in the end.”

Well, shit. Boyfriend and soulmates? Why the hell does that sound familiar?

He winked at Felix. “Hey, maybe you’ll marry your producer boyfriend dash soulmate after graduation too!”

Felix felt his face burst with heat like it was engulfed in flames and Seokjin laughed at how red Felix turned. “I don’t think about it yet, sir.” he stammered bashfully and that earned him a pat on the shoulder.

“I’m just pulling your leg, Felix,” Seokjin smiled. “let’s go inside and take a break before the afternoon rush starts.”

The day went about smoothly until night fell.

Felix was helping Minho carry their grocery for the week. They were talking about the performance and then laughing at some stupid shit Jisung did earlier that day. Felix told Minho that Seokjin already had RJ displayed outside the café to attract more customers for Open House week. They were already outside the dorms while their subject of conversation switched to what they will cook for dinner that wouldn’t take up too much energy but not something unhealthy as instant ramen.

“Aw shoot,” Minho groaned when they saw that the only working elevator was being taped off by the maintenance staff before hanging a sign that read ‘out of order’.

“Excuse me,” Felix asked one of the men who was putting their stuff in their little cart. “but wasn’t this working earlier?”

“It was,” the guy answered. “but then one of the students became trapped inside just an hour ago. The doors are busted pretty bad.” He tipped his cap at Felix who gave a small, polite bow in return before he headed off with his companion.

“Great,” Minho sighed and glanced at the heavy grocery bags that they were carrying. “more pain and suffering, I guess.”

“Look at it this way, Minho-hyung,” Felix tried to be more positive, but his arms and hands were starting to grow tired from the weight of their grocery bags. “At least our dorm isn’t too high up. Good thing we just live on the second floor, right?”

“Right,” Minho nodded with a sigh. “let’s go.”

The two of them took the stairwell and Felix glanced up at the spirals of stairs that seem to go up endlessly towards the bleak gray roof. As they began to climb up, they heard the voices of other students’ complaints echo through the walls.

“At least it’s not just us, right?” Felix said and Minho nodded in agreement. “So, where was I, oh! Seokjin told me about his friends back when was still a student here. They’re all settled and successful now too; one of them became a well-known producer and he goes by the stage name of Suga. Maybe Jisung’s heard of h-…”

A misstep because Felix failed to realize that his shoelaces were untied and the next thing he knew, the world was moving past him in slow motion and Minho screamed his name as fell back, headfirst.

“Felix!”

“Min-“ Felix’s lips moved but no sound came out until he hit the painful corners of the steps and rolled to the bottom landing with a loud cry of pain. Condiments bottles and packets of instant noodles broke and scattered around Felix and the world went back.

Changbin!

The glass of water shattered in the aluminum sink while Changbin washed it after he had a drink. Pain shot through his body and fell on his knees, gasping for air while he desperately held the edge of the kitchen sink as his whole body burst in pain. Everything hurt; his torso, the side of his head, his shoulder, and most especially, his right ankle.

“Changbi- Oh, Shit! Chan! Chan-hyung!“ Jisung’s voice broke through and Changbin realized that he had cried out in pain, warranting the attention of Chan and Jisung who were there with him in Chan’s dorm room.

“Changbin!” Chan immediately rushed to the fallen boy. “Shit, man, what happened to you?”

Nothing could’ve happened; Changbin was just drinking water.

“You’re bleeding.” Jisung pointed out and immediately grabbed paper towels and ripped some to squeeze around the cut on Changbin’s palm where a stray shrapnel of glass sliced through. “Fuck, I…I hate blood, man.”

The younger’s voice sounded faint and Jisung looked pale, but he struggled to pull himself together.

“Did you fall? Is there pain?” Chan asked, eyes quickly searching all over Changbin for any more injuries.

Taking deep breaths, Changbin pulled himself together and tried to figure out what the hell just happened because the excruciating pain suddenly disappeared. That was when he realized it and his heart dropped to his stomach swallowed by cold dread.

“Felix!” Changbin cried out and immediately scrambled up to his feet. “It wasn’t me, it’s Felix! The pain was from Felix!”

Chan was already on the phone after he hit Felix’s number which was already on the top of his contact list where the rest of the others’ names were. He cursed when no one picked up.

“He’s not picking up,” Chan muttered angrily glaring at the phone. “Wait, Minho!” Chan immediately turned to Jisung who already had his phone against his ear. The youngest in the trio hissed in fear and frustration when his boyfriend didn’t pick up either.

“How do we find them?” Changbin exclaimed in worry, eyes filled with a wild light that bore into Chan and Jisung. “Felix is hurt!”

“Minho said that he and Felix will go grocery shopping tonight-…” Jisung paused. “Oh, fuck, what if they’re out on the street and-…”

“That’s not helping, Jisung!” Changbin snapped and the youngest took a step back, glaring at the older.

“You think I’m not worried about Minho-hyung?” Jisung spat back but before shit got any worse, Chan stepped in between them. Jisung was not the aggressive type but when it came to Minho, the boy will take on people twice his size.

“That’s enough!” Chan yelled at them. “You two will not fight like fucking children in my kitchen, do you understand?” his voice was like an ice whip that crackled through and Changbin and Jisung backed off, knowing how terrifying Chan could get. “We are going to find them and help them.”

Changbin and Jisung nodded.

“Good,” Chan narrowed his eyes at them. “Now that we are all calm, let’s think. It will take too much time if we’ll look for them throughout the campus and outside. There are only three of us and unless we get the whole building on a search and rescue, we’re not going to get anywhere.”

“I got it!” Jisung suddenly exclaimed. “He showed them his hand which was devoid of anything but the platinum rings around a few fingers.”

“Oh!” Chan perked up. “Your red thread!”

“Yeah,” Jisung grinned. “I can find Minho anywhere. If we find him, we might find Felix.” He closed his eyes and focused while be placed his palm over his heart.

“Noona,” Jisung’s lips moved soundlessly the silent words on his lips were clear. “I need your help. Please lead me to Minho.”

There were a few seconds of silence from Jisung before his eyes snapped open, pupils wide. He gulped in air from holding his breath. “Thank fuck, they’re at the dorms, not on the street!”

“Let’s go!” Chan started to move but Changbin was already out the door.

“He’s awake,” the infirmary nurse approached the five boys in the waiting area. Hyunjin was also there, clad in a soft cream sweater two sizes bigger than him and a purple beanie. The older blonde had rushed to the campus hospital after receiving the call from Minho about Felix falling down the stairs.

“He’s in bed 15 in the ward.” The nurse told them in a gentle voice. “He might be groggy from the pain killers but surely, he would appreciate that you came to see him.”

“Is he going to be okay?” Changbin asked, his voice shaking from worry, but he struggled to keep himself together. “He doesn’t have a concussion, does he?”

The nurse shook his head. “Luckily, it seems that Felix was able to cover his head to protect it. It’s got a bump and he’s bruised all over, but the upper part of his body will heal in two weeks at most.” She paused, and quickly read the tablet she was holding to read the rest of the findings recorded there.

“It’s his ankle that’s in bad shape; it’s not broken but it was twisted pretty badly. There’s no need to cast it but it has to be wrapped and he’d need to wear an ankle brace and use crutches for a few weeks.”

Changbin felt ice slide down his spine at the realization; Felix cannot perform on Wednesday but that didn’t matter right now.

“We understand,” It was Chan who spoke this time when Changbin was at a loss of words, his voice calm and resolute. They could always count on Chan to be strong for them and to stand up when everyone else couldn’t. “we’ll make sure to look after him after he gets discharged.”

“Dr. Byun ordered that Felix should stay for the night so that we can observe him. If all is well, he will be discharged in the morning.”

When the 5 youngsters in front of her casted worried glances towards each other, she sighed. “We have a one companion policy per patient. Please talk among yourselves and let the receptionist know who will be staying so that they can inform security. Students are not allowed here after visiting hours.”

“I’ll stay with him.” Changbin interrupted in a heartbeat. His tone was final, so the others didn’t try to offer. They understood Changbin’s need; he needed to be with Felix. He needed to be with his soulmate.

“Alright.” With that, the nurse left them with a small bow which the five boys returned, muttering a quiet chorus of thanks. They made their way to bed 15 in the long aisle of hospital bed in the ward. Thankfully, most of them were empty except for about 5 people, one them, being Felix. Hyunjin carefully pulled the curtain aside that separated them from Felix and sure enough, their friend was on the bed. He had a gauze taped on the left side of his forehead and there were bruises that were starting to bloom on his arms. His right foot was propped up on a plump pillow at the foot of the bed and it was already wrapped with a flesh colored sprain bandage.

The moment Felix’s and Changbin’s eyes met, the blonde was engulfed in a pair of strong arms in a firm but careful embrace. Felix buried his face into the crook of Changbin’s neck while the older rested his chin on top of Felix’s head.

“I felt your pain,” Changbin whispered through golden strands. “I was really scared that something worse than this happened to you.”

“Hyung, I’m okay.” Felix whispered quietly but his voice was thick with tears. “I just blacked out and got beat up here and there but I’m okay.”

Changbin pressed a kiss on Felix’s forehead. “I got you. I’ll stay here with you until morning, okay? They just need to keep you here for the night to observe if your fall fucked up something else. Then I’ll take you back to the dorms.”

Felix nodded and then slowly pulled back and looked at his friends that watched him with concern. “Hi, guys,” he smiled but it looked obviously pained. “thanks for dropping by. Sorry, I scared you. The elevator at our building was busted so Minho-hyung and I…” He took a deep breath which he exhaled in a quick rush. “I was really clumsy and…”

“Felix,” Chan interrupted softly. Felix stopped and he looked and dared himself to lock eyes with the eldest in their group. Chan looked at him sadly and his brows were scrunched over those brown eyes filled with worry. The painful truth finally sank into Felix as his eyes slowly shifted to his injured ankle.

Tears fell from Felix’s eyes and sobs broke from his throat until he was fully crying. He pressed angry fists over his eyes, desperate to force the tears to stop but he only cried harder. How can he dance now? Changbin worked so hard on that song and he worked hard on the choreo too and now, this had to happen.

“Felix, hey,” Changbin gathered his devastated soulmate in his arms once more and held the slender boy protectively, wishing that he could shield Felix from the pain. “it’s okay, it’s okay…”

“It’s not!” Felix snapped tearfully. “Can’t you see? My ankle is busted, how am I supposed to dance? What about your grade, hyung?”

“Fuck that grade, Felix!” A strong grip locked around both of Felix’s shoulder as Changbin’s fingers held him in place and forced the younger to look at him. “It’s just extra credit, I’ll find another way to earn it. You don’t have to blame yourself for anything.”

“You might fail!” Felix sobbed.

“So what?” Changbin countered. “Park can fail me for all I care. You’re more important than some stupid grade. If he fails me, then I’ll just repeat the subject, okay?”

“But what about promoting our program?” Felix asked while he sniffed. His eyes were red and puffy, and his lower lip quivered.

“There are other performers besides you, Lix,” Hyunjin chided gently. Carefully, Hyunjin made his way to sit on the opposite side of the bed. “I signed up too, you know.”

“Me too.” Minho added with a nod. “Just like you, I’m collaborating with Jisung. He made a song for me to dance to as well.” He glanced fondly at his soulmate and boyfriend who smiled at Felix.

“And I’m going solo,” Hyunjin nodded before he took Felix’s hand and squeezed it gently to give reassurance. “We’ll promote our department well, Felix. Don’t worry, okay? And don’t let this hold you back. You heal yourself and you barge back in to kick ass.”

“We’re dancers,” Minho nodded in agreement to Hyunjin, lips turned up in a proud smirk. “we eat pain for breakfast.”

“Yikes,” Jisung shuddered beside the older. “harder than marines. Scary shit.”

“You just focus on yourself, Felix.” Chan said this time. “Which, in my opinion, wouldn’t be a problem since you have a headstrong soulmate who’ll make sure you won’t neglect yourself.” Chan winked at Changbin.

“Like, hell I’d let Felix do that.” Changbin said while he brushed away blonde bangs from Felix’s eyes. “I’ll make sure to take care of him.”

“Uhg, since when did you get so soft?” Minho grimaced which made Changbin roll his eyes.

“You’re calling me soft, hyung? Want me to make a list?” His eyes quickly darted to Jisung.

“You’re both soft!” Jisung piped up between them jokingly which made Chan laugh and Hyunjin feign a gag.

Felix managed to smile despite the tears. He felt warmth reverberate through the bond, warmth that was proof of Changbin’s presence in his life. He closed his eyes since the meds were still fully active in his body and leaned on Changbin sleepily.

“Let’s get you to bed, babe,” Felix heard Changbin’s soft whisper in his ear. “I’ll be here, okay? Wake me up if you need something.”

Felix nodded but his eyes were already closed.

“Alright, kids,” Chan said while he made sure to look at everyone so that they knew that he was addressing them. “Let’s leave these two lovebirds alone so they can both rest.”

“Bye, Binnie-hyung,” Jisung whispered loudly. “I’ll drop by before I head to class. Just text me if you need me to bring anything from the dorm.”

“Got it.” Changbin nodded.

“Just call anytime if you guys need anything.” Hyunjin got up to his feet but when he did, he suddenly coughed badly. Chan and Minho were immediately on Hyunjin’s side to help him. The younger covered his mouth and took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth with. Ever since that night, Hyunjin also started carrying hankies with him just like Felix did.

“You okay?” Chan asked gently and Hyunjin nodded while he slipped his medical face mask back on. “Did you take your medicine for the night?”

“I did.” Hyunjin replied softly. “I’ll be fine.”

“Let’s get you back to the dorm, dumpling.” It was Minho who spoke this time.

“Can you carry me, hyung?” Teasingly, Hyunjin batted his long lashes at Minho who threw him a side glare. Chan smiled fondly while Jisung bid Changbin good night and closed the curtains around the bed to give them privacy.

“Don’t push your luck, kid.”

When Felix woke up early the next morning, he was alone in the hospital bed. The visitor’s couch beside his bed where Changbin slept last night was empty and when he craned his neck to peek at the window over the bed next to his, he saw that the sun was already high in the sky. Felix took his phone that was beside his pillow and groaned when he saw that the battery was about to die. He can manage one call before the phone completely gave up on him, so it had to count.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps and voices on the other side of the curtain and Felix recognized one of them as Changbin. The other voice, however, was completely new to Felix. The metal rings that held the thick moss green curtains to the ceiling bar clinked when it was pulled aside. The first one Felix saw was Changbin wearing a different shirt from last night; Jisung must have passed by to bring the older a change of clothes. Changbin had dark circles around his eyes and Felix felt bad that he lost so much sleep for watching over him last night.

The second person was a handsome man in a light gray button up polo shirt clad in a doctor’s coat and he smiled kindly at Felix. He had a clipboard cradled on one hand and a large envelope on the other.

“Good morning, Felix,” He greeted warmly holding Felix’s gaze with a smile. “I’m Dr. Byun Baekhyun. How are you feeling?”

“Like I fell from a roof, Dr. Byun.” Felix croaked out. His deep voice was husky from the misuse and from waking up.

“I see,” Baekhyun hummed while he studied Felix’s bandaged foot that was propped on a pillow. “there’s some swelling but there’s nothing we can do but to let it heal naturally. I’ll prescribe you some painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills. Take them after your meals and avoid putting pressure on your foot. This can span up to two to three weeks depending on well your ankle heals.”

“But what about my classes?” Felix sat up straighter, brows scrunched up in protest.

Baekhyun sighed at Felix’s insistence. “I understand that you’re a dance major, Felix,” he said. “but there’s not much an injured ankle can do. You can attend theory classes where you can just sit in class or do them online but as for actual dance classes, surely, your professors must understand your situation.”

Felix felt defeated because the doctor was right; he was useless while injured. His shoulders sagged and his gaze fell on his hands that were clasped over his blanketed lap. Not only did he lose the chance to perform on Wednesday, he’s be stuck on crutches while his friends and classmates danced freely.

Baekhyun pulled out the X-ray proofs from the envelope and lifted them up to peer at them briefly through the ceiling light. “Nothing broken, thankfully.” He said. “Just a lot of bruises and of course, your foot. You were lucky that you were covered your head, Felix. It won’t be as simple if you weren’t able to.”

Behind Baekhyun, Changbin watched him carefully and he blew out a quiet sigh in relief. He gave Felix a small smile which the younger returned with a sad one.

“I’ll write you a medical certificate so that you can be excused from your dance classes.” Baekhyun offered with a kind smile while he slid the proofs back into the envelop sleeve. “Are you Lee Taemin’s student?”

Felix’s eyes widened and he nodded. “You know Professor Lee?”

Baekhyun suppressed a laugh. “Yeah, he’s a good friend. I’ll let him know about your condition, okay? Accidents happen, Felix. Your teachers will have to be really inconsiderate if they fail you for not being able to dance for a few weeks.”

Dipping his head in bow of gratitude, Felix muttered: “Thank you so much, Dr. Byun.”

Baekhyun nodded. “No problem. I’ll go and sign your discharge papers.” He turned to look at Changbin who had been attentively watching them. “Drop by the nurse’s station to pick up the prescription, alright?”

“Okay, Dr. Byun.” A small respectful bow accompanied Changbin’s agreement.

After Dr. Byun Baekhyun left to check on the other patients, Felix’s attention immediately turned to Changbin. With the brightest smile he could muster, he reached out both arms towards the other and made a grabby-hands motion. Changbin smiled, and immediately stepped into Felix’s embrace while sat on the edge of the bed. Felix closed his eyes and nuzzled into Changbin’s neck.

“Get me out of here, Binnie,” Felix whispered into Changbin’s ear. “I want to go back to the dorm already. I miss you.”

“I’m right here,” Changbin replied gently. “everything is going to be alright; I promise.” And he held Felix in his arms like his life depended on it.

*

Since getting out of the ER ward, Felix had been stuck in bed, resting. Minho had been doing an excellent job taking care of him despite being busy with his own school works and dance practice. The pain had been bearable at most and the pills Dr. Byun prescribed helped a lot. Felix made sure that he didn’t slack off his ankle and he did little movements and stretches without pushing the injury too bad. He did miss dancing, even though it’s only been a few days since he last did. Being stuck in the dorm was lonely but his friends made sure that he had company most of the time. Today, it was Hyunjin who dropped by Felix’s dorm to hand him a book he borrowed from the library for their dance history class and to hang out and made sure Felix had someone to talk to.

“Hey,” Hyunjin spoke up when he looked up from his phone after he finished a round in Among Us. Felix looked up from his laptop that was set on his lap. “by the way,” Hyunjin continued. “Kang Taehyun from our dance theory class told me that Changbin withdrew the application for tomorrow’s performance. You two have been dropped from the lineup.”

A heavy feeling weighed on Felix’s chest at the news and his shoulders slumped in disappointment. Although Changbin assured him that everything will be alright and that he’ll find a way to make up for his grade in Professor Park’s class, he still felt like all their hardwork went to waste.

“Really?” Felix sighed while he continued to type the paper he was working on.

“Yeah.” Hyunjin nodded. “But hey, it would still be great if you can watch me and Minho-hyung tomorrow.” He flashed a bright smile at Felix which the younger found impossible to ignore because whenever Hyunjin smiled or laughed, it was contagious. “By the way, I want to show you something.”

“What?” Felix leaned back on the pillows that propped him up from the bed and smiled at how happy his friend looked.

Hyunjin held out his phone to Felix so that the other could see the screen. There was a photo of a student dressed in a high school uniform. His eyes sparkled, disappearing as he smiled brightly at the camera.

“His name is Yang Jeongin and he’s my dongsaeng and he’s graduating high school this year.” Hyunjin gushed. “You guys have to meet Jeongin. I think you’ll all love him; he’s impossible not to love!”

“Oh, cool!” Felix’s brows shot up in interest. “What’s he planning to take in university?”

“I’m not sure if he’ll choose Education or Social work.” Hyunjin replied, unsure. “But ever since, he’s always told me how much he loves kids and wants to work with them even though he’s a baby himself.”

“You guys sound really close. Is it just the two of you against the world?”

Hyunjin’s smile dimmed at that question but he still retained a trace of it on his lips. “No, there are…were… three of us.” His tone at the end sounded dismissive and Felix decided not to push, knowing well who the third person was.

After Hyunjin left for his afternoon classes, Felix was yet again left alone, and it’ll be like that until nightfall when Minho returns so he had the whole afternoon with nothing to do. He felt like baking and he and Minho did buy ingredients for brownies last weekend so Felix might as well bake. He decided that he’ll surprise Changbin by bringing him brownies to class. Compared to the last two days, Felix was feeling better now, and he thought that he can manage a simple task of baking and bringing it Changbin.

“I’m going to bake it with so much love that he’ll ask for more!” Felix exclaimed excitedly in the empty dorm. When he realized what he just said, he blushed a deep red; he was so in love with Changbin.

So, Felix spent the late morning and the first part of the afternoon baking and another hour cooling the brownies. Then, Felix cut up the brownie slab into smaller squares after it had cooled down and put Changbin’s share in a plastic container. It was a bit of a struggle to put on his hoodie because of his bruises and he slipped on flipflops since he can’t really wear shoes right now. Felix put the brownies in a tote bag, grabbed his crutches and he headed off.

This was Felix’s first time in the Music Prod building. Changbin, Chan and Jisung’s building wasn’t far from the dorms Felix was staying at so that saved the blonde the trouble of walking far. He used the wheelchair ramp entrance, clearly unable to get up the marble tiled steps because of his crutches and the doubled doors opened automatically for him.

The building was nice and at the lobby, portraits of the famous alumni who made a huge impact in the music industry lined the walls; singers, producers, lyricists… Felix found himself standing in front of a portrait of handsome man with cat-like eyes and despite the stoic expression, Felix thought that he looked like he had softness in him.

The plaque below read:

Min Yoongi (SUGA)

Producer, Rapper

Music Production Batch 2015.

Felix’s eyes widened when he remembered the name; this was Seokjin’s friend, the one who had married his soulmate and was now based in Daegu. He felt a blush creep to his cheeks when he remembered Seokjin’s teasing about him and Changbin. Suddenly, he was reminded by his secret mission when he felt a tug on the red thread around his finger, but Felix didn’t respond to it. He knew that Changbin was checking up on him so if Felix doesn’t respond, maybe Changbin will think that he was asleep in the dorm and then surprise!!! Brownies!!!!

The idea made Felix giggle to himself that earned him weird looks from the students who passed by. He didn’t care though, he was excited to surprise Changbin and maybe even give him a few kisses. Felix realized that he hasn’t seen Changbin yet today and dearly missed him.

“Felix?”

Startled, Felix quickly turned around to the direction of the voice and saw a familiar face; tall and with fading pink hair, Yeonjun looked at him looking just as surprised.

“Oh, shit, what happened to you?”

“Long story short,” Felix replied a little bit embarrassed. “I tumbled down the stairs at our dorm. Gave my friends quite a scare; they thought my skull cracked but good thing all I got were bruises and a fucked-up ankle.”

“So that’s why Taehyun said that Changbin dropped you guys from the lineup tomorrow.” Yeonjun frowned. ”I’m really sorry to hear that, man, but are you okay now?”

“Better than a couple of days ago but still pretty bad.” Felix replied. Then he realized that he absolutely had no idea where he could find Changbin. Felix didn’t really think this through since he was too excited to see his soulmate. “Oh, uhm, by the way, do you know where I can find Changbin?”

A smirk cracked on Yeonjun’s face and he wagged his eyebrows at the blonde. “Miss him already?”

Felix stuttered, face going red. “I-I was just going to give him some brownies I made. I think he has classes until the evening.”

“Aw,” Yeonjun pouted. “that’s really sweet. I wish Soobin did too.”

“I can hint it if you want,” Felix winked. “of course, I won’t tell that it’s from you.”

Yeonjun’s face lit up with a smile but Felix chuckled. “For a price of course.”

The pout returned and Felix laughed. “I’m kidding.” He pulled out an extra plastic container from the tote bag he had and handed it to Yeonjun. “Here, this is for you and Soobin.”

“Oh, wow, thanks!” Yeonjun appeared surprised, not expecting the treat.

The taller boy excitedly placed the container of brownies in his backpack. He smiled at Felix; “You’re looking for Changbin, right? Our class just ended but professor Park called him to the faculty.” A thoughtful pause. “I’m not sure why, though. Usually, professors call us to the faculty room when there’s some serious shit going on, like failing the class.”

Felix frowned. “Is it serious?”

“I don’t know why Changbin was called.” Yeonjun replied apologetically. “You’d have to ask Changbin yourself. The faculty room is on the third floor. Go right after stepping out of the elevator, impossible to miss.”

“Alright, thanks, Yeonjun!”

They two bit each other goodbye and Felix went on his way. Thankfully, unlike their dorm last weekend, the elevators here were working just fine. Felix boarded the car and hit the button to the third floor, praying that neither of 3Racha or anyone he knew bumped into him because that would just ruin the surprise. Felix got out of the elevator and headed right. Sure enough, he spotted the glass doors of the faculty room.

However, before Felix could round the corner, he heard a familiar voice;

“Sir, please,” it was Changbin and he sounded defeated, desperate. “there has to be another way for me to pull my grade up. I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from tomorrow’s performance, but my partner is injured.”

“And this is supposed to be my problem, Seo?” A voice Felix has never heard before. He assumed that it was the one called professor Park from what Yeonjun had told him. “Aren’t dance majors supposed to have spares? Someone who can take over in case the main lead cannot perform?”

“I…” Changbin began but was rudely interrupted by a tut from the professor.

“I should have known. I’m sorry but the Open House is the last event for the school year. I don’t think there is a better chance for you. You either find a way to perform your song tomorrow or it’s over.” A sigh. “Changbin, this is the second time you will failed this subject if you cannot pull your grade up, and this is a major in your course with heavy bearing on your transcript. You know well that our policy says that if you fail a major for the second time, then you’re out of the whole program.”

Felix’s heart slammed against his ribs and dread swallowed him whole from the revelation. Changbin will get kicked out of the music prod program if he fails this? But how? Changbin said that everything was alright! This was not alright, and Felix didn’t know who he should be more mad at; Changbin for lying to him or himself for ruining Changbin’s chances.

“If you want to continue studying in the university, you can,” said professor Park. “but you’d have to switch majors. Speak to the dean about it.” There was an edge of mockery and Changbin, his brave, beautiful Changbin had to swallow his pride and let this asshole teacher step on him like dirt. Felix had to make sure to control his emotion or else it might slide down the thread and Changbin will know.

“I…I understand, professor.”

At Changbin’s final tone which admitted defeat, Felix knew that he had to get out of there. He didn’t want Changbin to catch him eavesdropping on the conversation, so he hauled ass and despite the pain, Felix’s dragged himself out of there, brownies forgotten.

That evening, Felix sat in his room, glaring at the wall. His eyes stung from angry tears that fell and his heart felt heavy as he tried to process what happened that afternoon.

“Stupid Changbin,” He muttered. “you stupid jackass. Why did you keep this from me?” Felix hissed and chucked his pillow at the wall angrily where it fell with a lame thump on the floor. Changbin can do what Park told him to do and shift majors but it could also be a ploy for the professor to get rid of Changbin. Felix heard that this professor tended to axe students that show potential, out of insecurity of being outshined in the department.

It was a petty reason and Felix knew that Changbin will fall victim to it. Let’s face it; Changbin was good, like, really good. And if this asshole professor succeeds, Chan and Jisung might be next. Felix can’t let that happen.

Producing music was Changbin’s lifelong dream and Felix didn’t want his soulmate to lose that because of him. Felix glanced at his hand when Changbin pulled on the thread but like earlier, he did not respond. He had also been ignoring texts, calls and chats. When Minho knocked on his door that evening, Felix told him from the inside that he wasn’t feeling great and wanted to rest. That should be enough for Minho to reject any visitors Felix might get.

Felix waited for the night to deepen and when he heard Minho’s bedroom door close as the older retired for the night, Felix took his duffel bag and his crutches and snuck out of the dorm to head to the dance studio.

He needed to make some adjustments to the choreography. Changbin and the others might kill him for this, but Felix couldn’t find it in himself to give a flying fuck about it.

Show Day.

The amphitheater was packed with students, professors, and guests. The backstage was buzzing with life and anxiety from the student organizers, performers and stylists. The music prod students in charge of the control booth re-checked the songs that will be played. Yeonjun pressed buttons to check the mics and speakers and he also checked that the songs that were submitted where the final versions.

Suddenly, he was distracted when he heard a knock on the glass door.

“Just a sec!” He called out while he placed down the headphones and pushed his chair to swivel to the door before he opened it. “Oh, hi, Felix.” He said, confused.

“Hi,” Felix smiled at his friend. “I have a huge favor to ask you.” He handed Yeonjun a flashdrive. “Play it last.”

The taller boy took it carefully and stared at the device that laid flat on his palm. “Are you sure? You’re still injured.”

Felix nodded.

“What’s in it for me?” Yeonjun asked, skeptical, but Felix just gave him a sweet smile.

“I’ll bake whatever you or Soobin wants for the rest of the semester.”

Yeonjun thought for about two seconds before he nodded. “My baby loved the brownies, so what the hell? You got yourself a deal.” The two shook hands to close the agreement.

Just as Felix turned to walk…or rather, limp away, he heard Yeonjun ask; “It’s Changbin isn’t it? You’re doing this for him?”

Felix stopped in his tracks but did not turn to look at Yeonjun. “Yeah,” and finally, he looked at the pink haired boy and gave him a knowing look. “I know you understand, Yeonjun. You’ll do the same for Soobin.” He dared to hold the stare that Yeonjun gave him, half lidded eyes boring deep into his and there was something unspoken that passed between them.

“I will take every hit for him for as long as I’m breathing.” A small smile. Felix smiled back and nodded before walked off.

Changbin sat in the audience beside Jisung and Chan with Jisung in the middle of the two. He sat by the aisle so that it will be easy to ditch after Minho and Hyunjin were done with their performance since there was no other reason for him to stay.

The show began with opening remarks from the dean of the college of music and dance. After the short speech and welcoming everyone, the dean gave the floor to the presenters or the show. The emcees for the event are a pair; a boy and a girl. Changbin recognized the girl as Arin, Felix and Chan’s co-worker at the café and Soobin, Yeonjun’s boyfriend.

“Oh!” Jisung exclaimed excitedly beside him. “I heard that Hyunjinnie’s up first!”

After Arin and Soobin introduced the first performer which was Hyunjin, the heavy maroon curtains slowly lifted, revealing their friend in the middle of the stage. Hyunjin, as usual, was a sight to behold. He was dressed in his costume which was a white loose long sleeved shirt and white pants. He was barefoot and his hair was pulled up in a high ponytail adorned with black feathers that stood in contrast with his platinum blonde hair. The way Hyunjin danced was…passionate. Once could really see the emotions on his face and he portrayed the message of the song well. Even if the song itself did not have lyrics, Hyunjin’s dance was enough to portray the message. The audience was quiet and wide-eyed while Hyunjin performed and Changbin can’t help but let a smirk slide when he heard murmurs from the people that sat beside him. Hyunjin’s style was intriguing. But then, a peculiar conversation drifted to his ears:

“It’s him, oh my gosh, it’s him! Look at Jinnie go, he’s improved so much!”

“This is a bad idea, Innie.”

“No, it’s not! Aren’t you glad that we came here? We finally found him!”

“I guess.”

“What’s with that tone, huh? You’ve been looking for him for months!”

“I…I just don’t know what to do, okay?”

“Didn’t you have a plan? You’re supposed to be the smart one.”

A sigh.

“Look, now that we’ve found him, let’s take it one step at a time. Okay, Minnie? This is your chance to make it right.”  

Changbin slowly turned his head to the back to look for the owners of the suspicious voices but all he saw were mesmerized strangers that were captivated by Hyunjin’s enchanting dance. Claps erupted after Hyunjin finished his performance and held a kneeling position in the middle of the stage with both hands around his throat and his head hung low. The curtains lowered and Arin and Soobin took center stage again.

Two performers that Changbin didn’t know followed and he hoped that Minho was next so that he can get out of there to save himself from the heartbreaking disappointment. A part of him also told him to stay because this was the final performance he will witness as a music prod student.  

Jisung jolted in his seat when Soobin announced the next performer.

“Arin, we’re in for a real treat because our next performer is one of the most outstanding students in the dance department!”

“You’re right, Soobin!” Arin delivered her lines naturally while she gave a sweet smile at the audience. “the musical piece is also produced by one of the most promising students from the music production department.”

Chan cooed when Jisung blushed a deep red at that.

“Without further ado, please give a round of applause to Lee Minho, second year dance major. He will be accompanying the song Close, produced by first year music prod major, Han Jisung!”

The curtains rolled up to reveal Minho standing in the middle of the stage. He wore casual clothes; a white v-neck shirt underneath an unbuttoned pastel pink polo shirt, faded jeans and while sneakers. But the simplicity of his outfit was contrasted by his make-up. It wsan’t flashy, but it accented Minho’s handsome feature and the fact that his brown hair was styled back to partially reveal his forehead was the final blow.

Beside Changbin, Jisung grinned like a bright-eyed idiot. He looked so stupidly in love with Minho and it was adorable, but Changbin also couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Everyone will get to revel in Jisung’s soulmate’s talent and beauty while Changbin and his lover were casted out.

Minho’s dance style was more powerful, every move was precise and graceful. Like Hyunjin, Minho was able to portray the song well and he smiled, looking absolutely like he was having the time of his life while he danced to the song that was created by one of the most important people in his life; his soulmate.

“God, I love him,” Jisung sounded breathless, like he was holding his breath the whole time Minho was on stage. He slumped back on the theater chair, his back hitting the velvety cushion of the backrest. “Guys, I just… wow, Minho-hyung was… I watched him practice but seeing the final thing is just…wow.”

“Easy there, lover boy,” Chan patted Jisung on the back. “you’ll get all the time after the show’s done.”

“Keep it in your pants, Han,” Changbin groaned. He meant to tease the younger which apparently worked because Jisung turned beet red and she started smacking Changbin’s arm in panic. “Hey, I’m older than you. I deserve some respect!”

“That…that wasn’t a respectable thing to say!” Jisung protested, clearly flustered.

“I was speechless, Arin, aren’t you?” Soobin said while he and Arin returned on stage.

“I am, Soobin,” Arin replied. Changbin couldn’t tell if Arin was acting because she really looked like she spaced out after Minho’s performance. “truly, the dance department is filled with promising students.”

“And the songs that were performed also deserve so much recognition,” Soobin said with a charismatic smile. “I’d have to ask some friends there if I can have a copy of the songs because I don’t think I would want to forget them after listening once.”

“Pass me a copy!”

The audience laughed, clearly entertained by Soobin and Arin’s chemistry on stage. Of course, for people like Changbin who knew Soobin personally, it was all an act. Soobin and Arin had chemistry but Soobin and Yeonjun were tied by fate.

He sighed. “Guys, I’m gonna go ahead.” He told Jisung and Chan.

“Is everything okay?” Chan was already up on his feet followed by Jisung who got up as well. “We’ll come with you.”  Changbin nodded but decided to keep the rest to himself; he wasn’t ready to tell them the truth yet. The three of them were already climbing up the aisle when Soobin spoke again from stage.

“Arin, it’s time for our last performer for today’s show. Can you believe it? Time sure went by fast.”

Arin nodded. “I really don’t want it to end, everyone is talented, and the performances are unforgettable!”

Suddenly, Chan’s phone vibrated in his pocket. “Hello? Hyunjin?” There was a brief pause before Chan’s eyes widened. “WHAT?”

His eyes immediately snapped towards Changbin who watched him with worried curiosity. “We need to get backstage now before…”

“Our final performer is a fresh face here in campus,” Soobin’s voice filled the whole theater. “Performing the song titled ‘Cause I Like You produced by second year music prod student, Seo Changbin, please give a round of applause for Lee Felix, first year dance major!”

The curtains rolled up and Changbin’s heart stopped while his blood ran cold when he saw Felix in the middle of the stage, already in position.

“Felix, no!” Changbin exclaimed but his voice was drowned out by the music as Felix began to dance with his injured ankle.

Changbin didn’t care about the stares he got as he made a mad dash down the theater and towards the backstage. The first one he saw was Hyunjin, looking pale and shocked at what was happening while Minho’s expression was unreadable.

“I thought you withdrew?” Hyunjin demanded the moment he saw Changbin, eyes wide in disbelief. “Felix just… sauntered in here and got on stage.” He shook his head. “Everything happened so fast!”

“I pulled out our application, I swear!” Changbin exclaimed but then it clicked; there was supposed to be an advanced copy of the script given to the emcees. Felix’s name isn’t supposed to be there if Changbin pulled out on Monday. He turned to the tall brown-haired boy in thin frameless glasses who quietly watched Felix from the side of the stage.

“Hey, Choi Soobin!”

Soobin looked up at Changbin but did not appeared fazed as the older boy stalked towards him with dark eyes. He merely smiled a polite dimpled smile at him, completely professional.

“Hey, Changbin,” He greeted and beside him, Arin gave a small bow of greeting but Changbin ignored her, too worked up at whatever the fuck is happening.

“He’s not supposed to be here, he’s hurt.” He Changbin protested.

“I can see that,” Soobin replied calmly. “I just improvised the script to accommodate Felix’s request.”

“What?” Disbelief and confusion in Changbin’s voice. “Why would he…?”

“Yeonjun told me last minute that Felix will be performing. Your boyfriend personally approached mine and handed him the song. Felix wanted this.”

“Yeonjun?”

“He’s up manning the control booth.” Soobin said and he reached out to place a hand on Changbin’s shoulder. “’It’s for Changbin.’ that’s all Yeonjun said.”

Changbin felt his blood run cold when his friends all looked at him. They all looked confused and lost, mostly, Chan, whose all-seeing eyes bore deep into Changbin’s, searching for answers. Changbin felt small having been caught red-handed.

“I’ll explain it to you later, I promise.” Changbin forced out. “But right now, we have to make sure that Felix is alright.”

He strode to the side of the stage. Changbin knew that he can’t just walk up there and drag Felix back, so he stood there and was forced to watch his soulmate dance in pain. He had to think of something.

This has got to be one of the most painful experiences of Felix’s life. His ankle was hurting so bad and his whole body was fire as his beat-up muscles and joints protested but he powered through; he had to. He felt worry slide down the thread and when he glanced to the side of the stage as he was able to execute a graceful turn, he saw Changbin standing there, watching him with a frown on his face and worry in his eyes.

He let the melody take over him and he smiled as he danced, Felix gave his whole heart into it and much more. The night before, he did some adjustments to the choreo so that he didn’t put much pressure on his ankle but not too much that it affected everything. It still hurt but he was happy.

Felix didn’t let it distract him because despite the pain, he loved what he did, and he loved who he did this for. He felt Changbin’s feelings when he was making this song and this dance was Felix’s response to their silent love letter.

I just really love you.

This was it, the final jump that Felix needed to execute perfectly. There was no substitute or alteration to this since he felt like it will affect the climax of the piece. It will hurt but Felix was ready to take it on. He skipped with his good foot, spun in the air, and prayed that the brace around his ankle would help. Felix landed and held the finishing pose…

He felt nothing.

On the side, Changbin doubled over, grasping his right leg, teeth clenched in pain. The soul thread was wrapped around his hand that was clenched into a fist and it glowed so brightly with crimson light that seem to ripple and flow from Felix to Changbin.

Shocked horror swallowed Felix when he realized what happened; Changbin manage to manipulate their connection to channel the pain of the landing towards himself rather than Felix.

“Changbin!” Felix cried out over the thundering cheers and applause of the audience. The curtain had dropped halfway when Felix ran to the side of the stage but tripped and stumbled when the pain returned to consume him. Chan was quick to react when Changbin’s eyes rolled back and his knees buckled. The eldest caught him when he lost consciousness while Minho and Jisung were quickly beside Felix to help him. Tears poured him his eyes, blurring the scene in front of him. Chan held Changbin while the first aid volunteers quickly sprang into action to help.

“He’ll be okay, Felix, he’ll be okay,” Jisung repeated like a mantra edged with desperation. Felix held into his friend while Jisung ran a hand up and down his back in an attempt to comfort Felix.

“Using the red thread’s power takes up energy.” Minho said this time. “I think he used too much all in one go that his body succumbed into exhaustion.” He looked at Felix. “What did he do?”

“He,” Felix sobbed. “Changbin… he took the pain of the landing, all of it. I didn’t feel a single thing.” But he did now after Changbin fainted. His ankle hurt like hell that Felix was nearly writhing. If this was how painful it was now, what more for Changbin when Felix landed at the end of the dance?

“I did this to him,” Felix sobbed into Jisung’s arms. “Oh, God, Jisung,… I-I…I did this to him!”

“Hey!” Minho grabbed Felix’s shoulders and gave him a good shake. Those sharp eyes bore into Felix’s teary ones and there was a wild light in them that made Felix quiet down in fear. “You need to snap out of it! Changbin is down and you need to be his support like he was for you when you danced, okay? Soulmates need to be there for each other; when one is down, the other steps in, do you understand?”

Felix nodded with a hiccupped sob.

“Good,” Minho said. “you need to try and keep a cool head. Changbin’s knocked out but he’ll be fine after he rests, YOU are still injured. Let’s get that ankle some first aid then bring you to the infirmary.”

Felix cooperated with Jisung and Minho when the two helped him up. He leaned the weight of is right side against Minho who had Felix’s arms slung around his own shoulder while Jisung took the left.

“They fixed up the dressing room so Changbin could lie down.” Hyunjin came up to them. “Let’s get Felix in there so that they can put ice on his ankle.”

Before his friends can lead him to one of the back rooms, Felix spotted someone on one of the back hallways and he recognized it as Professor Park.

“Oh,” Jisung breathed, surprised to see the professor as well.

“Wait,” Felix’s tone was surprisingly calm. “Take me to him.”

Jisung looked unsure but since they were going to pass by the professor anyway on the way to the dressing room, so he and Minho complied.

“That was impressive choreography, Lee Felix.” Professor Park smiled but it was on that did not reach his eyes. Felix could tell that this shrewd man was not pleased. “And it seems that you were injured too.”

“Thank you, professor Park.” Felix dipped his head in a small and polite bow. “Glad you liked it.”

The man nodded once and turned to leave but Felix interrupted him.

“Wait,”

Professor Park halted in his steps and turned to look at the freshman. “Yes?”

“Since we complied with your terms for the extra credit, will Seo Changbin get to stay in the program?” Felix dared ask and on both sides, Jisung’s and Minho’s eyes widened at the revelation.

Felix held his ground when the professor gave him a tight smile. Jisung and Minho backed their friend up and waited for the man’s answer with suspicious and expectant looks.

“Of course,” replied Park. “I actually came backstage to congratulate the two of you for that memorable performance. But seeing that Seo Changbin isn’t here right now, could you please send my regards and congratulations to him?”

“I’ll make sure to let him know, professor, thank you.” Felix smiled sweetly but venom laced his voice. Park’s thin lips twitched into a frown, but he was able to keep up the civil façade. Beside him, Minho, who was usually unbothered, shifted uncomfortably. Park nodded and left.

“What the hell was that?” Jisung muttered but Felix just narrowed his eyes at the direction Park disappeared to.

“You and Chan should keep your guards up, Ji,” Felix said. “he just tried to kick Changbin out of the music production program. He might try to get rid of you too.”

“Are you serious?” Jisung’s eyes widened. “But why? Changbin-hyung didn’t even tell me or Chan-hyung anything!”

Felix’s deep voice was barely a whisper. “Yeah, me too. I’d…really like that ice pack now, guys.”

They brought Felix to the dressing room where the first volunteers were already waiting for them. Changbin was still unconscious on one of the couches while Hyunjin held a battery powered hand fan over the unconscious boy. Chan immediately received them when they walked through the door and helped Felix sit on another couch. Felix groaned in pain when the shock of the cold ice pack against his ankle racked his nerves, but he took it all on. This was a small price to pay for Changbin to stay with them… with him.

Dr. Byun didn’t look too pleased and Felix realized that the handsome doctor can be calmly terrifying to students who ended up in his ER for doing stupid shit.

“Lucky you, I wouldn’t have to amputate your foot tonight, Felix,” Dr. Byun smiled, and Felix paled. “I’m going to have to make you skip out for an extra two weeks though. Don’t abuse your injury anymore during that time, okay?”

“I’ll do my best, Dr. Byun,” Felix replied in a small and guilty voice, like a child that’s being reprimanded.

“If you’re worried about your classes, don’t be,” Dr. Byun said. “I went out with Taemin this afternoon for coffee and he couldn’t stop talking about this ‘kid with a busted ankle doing a perfect spin’ during the Open House performance. I knew he was talking about you.” He shook his head. “Still, that was reckless.”

“I know,” Felix said, lifting his head he determinedly held the doctor’s gaze. “but I had to do it for someone who means a lot to me.”

There was a pregnant silence between them while Baekhyun studied Felix who sat on the edge of the ward bed. Then, he sighed. “You’re stubborn,” he shook his head with a soft chuckle. “but I get where you’re coming from. I know someone who is hardheaded too.” Baekhyun pushed off from where he leaned on the empty bed opposite of Felix’s. “Remember what I said about your ankle and continue your prescription for the pain. You’re all cleared to go, Felix.”

“Thank you, Dr. Byun.” Felix bowed his head politely. Baekhyun gave him one last smile before he walked off but when he did, he slid out his phone from his pocket to take a call. Felix heard a; “Hello? Yes, I’m done with my rounds, Chanyeol, I’m on my way home. Could you heat up the-…”

The doctor’s voice faded as he disappeared down the long aisle of beds that lined the ER ward, leaving Felix alone with his thoughts and a painful ankle.

That night, Jisung insisted that they do a Roommate Swap again since Felix and Changbin clearly needed to talk. Minho literally shoved a small overnight back in Felix’s arms just as Jisung rushed out of his own dorm.

“He’s waiting for you.” Jisung grinned at Felix while he gave a last wave at the blonde. Jisung and Minho disappeared down the hallway and Felix stood in front of the door that was slightly ajar. Gathering his wits, Felix took a deep breath and pushed the door open while he limped inside. The dorm was quiet except for the muffled sounds of the shower. Felix felt his heart stutter nervously at the thought of being alone with Changbin especially with what happened earlier that day. He was still beaten up after he pushed himself to perform despite his injuries still being fresh and the only reason it was tolerable right now was because of the painkillers that Dr. Byun prescribed.

Felix dropped his overnight bag at the foot of the couch and laid his crutches on the arm rest where he can easily reach for them. He the laid down on the couch and curled himself into the smallest ball he can so that Changbin wouldn’t see him immediately after he exited the bathroom. Why did Felix feel like this? He felt like he couldn’t face Changbin after today. He felt anxious that the other might hate him for pushing through with the performance that he had to take the pain of Felix’s landing during the dance.

Suddenly, the door of the bathroom opened, and Felix squeezed his eyes shut; maybe if he pretended to be asleep, Changbin would just leave him alone and head to bed then he can sneak out later.

“I know you’re there, baby,” Felix’s heart sped at the low and smooth sound of Changbin’s voice and calling him ‘baby’ didn’t help at all. “I can feel you.”

Felix cracked one eye open to stare at the crimson string tied at the base of his ring finger when he felt Changbin tug at it.

“There you are,”

His eyes snapped open when he felt the end of the couch dip as Changbin sat down. His black hair was damp, and he wore a sleeveless shirt that hugged the muscular planes of his torso and a pair of soft gray sweatpants. Felix couldn’t help but think that his soulmate was so damn sexy and even though they’ve become intimate many times before, Felix thought that he’d never get used to it.

“You’re beautiful.” Felix croaked out shyly, taking Changbin by surprise. He blushed a deep red when Changbin did as well and the older looked away to hide his reddening face.

“If…If… that’s your way of getting away with that shit you pulled today, it’s not going to work.” Changbin stammered. Felix could tell that he was trying to sound upset, intimidating, even, but he only achieved in sounding adorable, flushed, and worried. Felix smiled, sat up and reached over to wrap his arms around Changbin and hug him from behind. He smiled when he pressed a kiss on Changbin’s nape, the tips of his damp hair tickling his nose and the older shuddered at the affectionate gesture.

“I understand that you might be upset at what I did,” Felix mumbled. “but I had to do it or that teacher will remove you from the program.”

Changbin stiffened in Felix’s arms and he turned to finally face him, dark eyes searching his own. “How did you know?”

Felix bit his lower lip, unsure if he should say. Changbin noticed this and frowned. “Felix,”

“I came to your building the other day to surprise you with some brownies I made so that you can snack on something during the day.” Felix admitted. “I bumped onto Yeonjun and he told me that you were at the faculty rooms, so I went there and I…I heard everything.”

Changbin heaved out a heavy sigh, sounding defeated and Felix glared at him. No, he cannot stand to see his Changbin like this.

“You weren’t going to tell me, were you?” Felix asked. “You weren’t going to tell us,” he mentioned their friends too. “you’re just going to keep this to yourself and when you have to leave, that’s the only time when we will find out.” Felix’s eyes glistened with angry tears. “Even Chan and Jisung don’t know and you guys are supposed to be best friends!”

“Because I don’t want to be a burden, okay?” Changbin fought to keep his voice steady but failed. His voice shook and it broke Felix’s heart. “I’ll be more than happy to just shift majors than to let you experience so much pain like that.”

Felix scoffed and Changbin glared. “The hell was that for?”

“Like hell, I’d let the pain stop me!” Felix pulled back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Three minutes of agonizing pain and a few weeks with a busted ankle is nothing compared to the pain you’ll have to go through if you give up on your dream!”

Finally, he took Changbin’s hand, his own cupping it carefully and their thread glowed when both ends touched. “You’ve always told me how much you wanted to make music since you were a kid, Binnie. Now that you’re on your way to becoming that, I’m not about to let you drop everything just because of a little set-back.” He motioned at his wrapped foot.

“And also, that professor is an asshole. I wanted to ruin his plans.” Felix smirked but then the breath got knocked out of him when he was engulfed in a pair of strong arms and Changbin leaned in to press their lips together. Felix kissed him back and wrapped his arms around Changbin’s neck to pull him closer against him while a soft moan escaped him. The kiss started to get heated and Changbin had to force himself back so that the two of them can breathe.

“That was reckless, baby,” Changbin pressed their foreheads together, hot breaths lingering between their lips.

“What you did was reckless too,” Felix whispered. “You passed out.”

“I’m sorry,” Changbin’s words were quiet between them, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Fainting probably ruined my tough guy image but I had to do something.”

Felix’s hand reached up and gently cupped Changbin’s cheek. The older’s lids lowered halfway as he leaned into the younger’s touch lovingly. “You don’t ever have to feel like you should take on everything all by yourself. Remember, we’re here… I’m here, okay?’”

Changbin’s eyes fluttered open and he stared deeply into Felix’s eyes, searching for the truth in his words. This time, it was Felix who leaned in to kiss him and Changbin melted into it. There was a quiet and absolute truth as the warmth that reverberated in their red thread wrapped around his whole being.

“Changbin-hyung?” Felix pulled back slightly; eyes locked with Changbin’s. “I love you.”

There was no more going back and the two of them knew that.

“Me too, Felix,” Changbin’s voice was quiet but thick with the emotions that overwhelmed him. They both felt like this was moment that was a long time coming. “Me too.”

From nameless strangers tied by an invisible red string that only they saw, to the strange companionship despite being oceans apart through their tugs, to audience and performer, to friends, and finally to lovers. Felix was excited to take on the world with the love of his life by his side and he could feel that Changbin was too.

That night, the darkness was filled with sounds of passion and the cold night was contrasted by the heat of their lovemaking. Felix looked up with love in his eyes at the man on top of him, his good leg resting up on Changbin’s shoulder while the injured one was propped on a pillow. He moaned and gasped as Changbin thrusted into his tight heat and it only spurred the older on the keep up the rhythm that’s gotten Felix writhing beneath him. They were a couple who enjoyed it rough but tonight, Changbin was gentle with Felix and it was a nice change of pace. They both reached the peak with lustful cries of pleasure and then they floated down from their high, locked in each other’s arms.  

It was Changbin who fell asleep first after they both cleaned up and laid back down. It was such a long and eventful day that the exhaustion slipped deep into Felix’s bones. He took some pain killers too, so his sprain wasn’t bothering him right now. The room was quiet with only the quiet hum of the air conditioner and Changbin’s rhythmic breathing. As sleep clouded his mind, Felix carefully turned to his side and watched his soulmate’s peaceful expression while he slept. He slowly reached up and carefully brushed away the stray strands of hair that fell over Changbin’s eyes.

The last thought that drifted into Felix’s mind was how lucky he was to have Changbin in his life and he really didn’t mind this kind of set-up where his soulmate was the one he would wake up to in the morning and the last he would see before he falls asleep at night.

If this was how being in love felt like, then Felix will always protect that.

EPILOGUE

Three months later.

It was a bright spring morning and the university registrar and admissions office was on full capacity and was bustling with life. Chan, Changbin, and Minho waited on a bench across the admissions building for their friends to come out since they were already done with their enrolment the day before.

“Did you guys get dorm re-assignments this year?” Chan asked while he looked up from his phone and stared at Minho and Changbin. The two glanced each other and gave knowing smiles. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“We did a The Ultimate Roommate Swap.” Minho replied. “Jisung’s my dormmate this year and Binnie got Felix.”

“So, in other words,” Chan snorted with a roll of his eyes. “your dorms are going to be sex dens, right?”

Changbin choked on his iced coffee while Chan burst into gleeful laughter. “Fucking shit, hyung! Don’t make it sound so gross!”

“Please, I’m a man of taste and class,” Minho gave a soft ‘hmph’. “it offends me that you’d even think it like that.”

“Oh, come on, Minho, you’re such a grumpy cat.” Chan poked a little fun on his friend. ‘’Sides, being grumpy is supposed to be Binnie’s thing.”

“Hey!”

“Binnie is a baby whose ‘darkness’ will crumble the moment Felix smiles at him.”

“Heeyyy!” Changbin’s face burned at that comment. During the past few months, his relationship with Felix had strengthened and their ‘skill’ which was to feel each other’s feelings and emotions felt like it was already second nature.

“That’s nice, though,” Chan said. “saves you guys the trouble of swapping roommates.”

“What about you?” Minho asked. “Didn’t Brian Kang graduate already?”

The eldest in their group just shrugged. “Beats me, maybe a new student? I don’t really care as long as they’re easy to get along with. I practically live at the studio anyway.”

Changbin and Minho glanced at each other once again. “Have you tried asking Hyunjin move in with you? He didn’t have a roommate for the second semester last year.”

Chan hummed. “I can,” he replied. “it’ll makes things easier.”

“What things?”

But Chan just shook his head at Minho’s question, refusing to give any details. No body needed to know that he and Hyunjin were friends with benefits. “It’s nothing, I meant that I guess it’ll be easier to keep an eye on him while he’s undergoing treatment for his hanahaki.”

Suddenly, the double doors of the admissions office parted opened and out came Han Jisung with a big bright grin on his face followed by a giggling Felix and Hyunjin behind him.

“Make way! Sophomores coming through!”

“Dude, shut up, you’re so loud and people are staring!” Hyunjin couldn’t help but laugh at Jisung’s antics.

“Say’s the guy whose laugh can crack glass!” Jisung stuck out his tongue at Hyunjin who rolled his eyes dramatically.

“I mean, we all made it through last school year, so I guess we have the right to boast it. It wasn’t easy after all.” Felix said while he smoothly glided down the steps with Hyunjin and Jisung. His ankle had already healed, and he was back on his feet since two months ago. Technically, Felix was still a freshman since he arrived during the second semester of the previous academic year. This first semester, he had a mix of first and second year classes so his schedule was a bit all over the place.

“Finally!” Changbin exclaimed as he got up from his feet and he grinned when Felix skipped happily towards his soulmate. “What took you so long? We’re hungry!”

“Jisung lost his pen so he had to wait for his turn and borrow one then we had to wait for him to finish up filling out his enrolment forms.” Felix shrugged.

“Jisung has stolen so many of my pens and he still managed to forget to bring one?” Changbin grumbled which made Felix laugh.

“Didn’t I give you a fancy pen last Christmas?” Minho asked Jisung with a small frown to which his soulmate averted his eyes away.

“I only use that pen for special occasions,” Jisung reasoned out. “like hell I’m going to waste it on filling out stupid university forms.”

That was when Chan asked; “So, where are we getting lunch, guys?”

“Mall!” Hyunjin immediately piped up with a bright smile. “San told me that he and his friend ate at this new sushi restaurant.”

“Sushi?!” Jisung and Minho said in unison, eyes wide with excitement. The Jisung said; “Then what are we waiting for?”

“Can we go to the arcade after?” Felix asked. “I still have a score to settle with Chris.”

“Oh, sure, bring it on, kid.” Chan smiled but it was a smile that was a borderline smirk. “let’s see if you can beat my score this time.”

“DDR, hyung?” Hyunjin asked Minho as well to which the older scoffed arrogantly.

“Well, since you asked so nicely.”

“Prepare yourself!” Felix pointed a finger at Chan.

“Let’s gooooo!” Hyunjin whined. “If we get there during the lunch rush, we might have to fall in line-…”

“Hyunjin-hyung?”

They all froze when a new voice interrupted, especially Hyunjin who appeared to have all the color on his face drain away. When Hyunjin turned around to the source of the voice, he saw a familiar face that he hasn’t seen in quite a while. Slanted eyes similar to a fox’s, a wide smile now devoid of braces and hair that was dyed an ashy gray, Yang Jeongin waved excitedly at Hyunjin to get his attention.

“Je-Jeongin?” Hyunjin managed to blurt out and the name clicked something in Felix’s memory. He remembered Hyunjin mentioning that name before, but Felix had already forgotten when.

“What are you doing here?” Hyunjin asked, nervous sweat sheening his forehead when Jeongin reached where the group was.

“Funny story, hyung,” Jeongin’s eyes seem to disappear whenever he smiled. Felix thought that he was adorable that was why didn’t quite understand why Hyunjin looked like he saw a ghost.

“I actually went here during your open house event a few months ago. I even saw you perform! I was very lucky!”

“Wh-What…” Hyunjin breathed in disbelief. He looked completely lost as Jeongin finally noticed the rest of the group.

“Oh, I’m sorry for being rude! My name is Yang Jeongin, first year Education major!” he bowed politely to them. “Hyunjin-hyung is my good friend from high school but he graduated ahead of us.”

“Hi!” Jisung greeted. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Han Jisung, second year broadcast-…”

“Han Jisung?” Jeongin repeated. “Oh, I remember now, they played your song at the open house! It was Close, right? The dancer was amazing!” There was an emphasis there and Jisung appeared to beam with pride.

“Oh, really? That was my baby!” Jisung grabbed a bashful looking Minho who fought to keep a polite and pleasant expression. “My beautiful soulmate! He looked so cool, right?”

“Hello, I’m Lee Minho, third year dance major.” Minho managed to get the words out smoothly but there was a deep blush on his face and the tips of his ears were red. “Thank you for watching our performance.”

Jeongin shook his head and bowed again. “It was very memorable. Thank you for sharing it with us!”

“Let me introduce you to the rest, Innie.” Hyunjin, who appeared to have absorbed that Jeongin was here and was very happy to be reunited with his old friend, took the liberty to introduce Jeongin to everyone.

The last person Hyunjin introduced was Chan who returned Jeongin’s bow and shook the younger’s hand. “Welcome to Seoul University, Jeongin. Did you follow Hyunjin here?”

Jeongin shook his head and beside him, Hyunjin looked slightly uncomfortable but he held it at bay.

“No, not really,” Jeongin replied. “We really liked the place when we came here during the open house event and were thrilled to find out that Hyunjin-hyung went here too,” Jeongin started to explain while he re-adjusted the strap of his backpack that slung on one shoulder. “the programs and course offerings seem competitive too, so we decided to enroll here. We’re starting this semester!”

That was when Changbin caught the clause of it. “Hey, wait,” he asked, confused. “Who’s we?”

Jeongin, whom they have identified to be the youngest with them right now and who they are considering into adopting into their group, stilled, as if he remembered something. “Oh, shit, I lost him! He’s going to kill me for running off…”

“Is it a friend…?” Felix asked but then a new voice called over the crisp spring air.

“Jeongin! Don’t run off like that! I turned my back for ten minutes and…!”

They all turned to the direction of the voice and Jeongin even smiled and waved the newcomer over but that familiar voice was something that was forever etched in Hyunjin’s memory.

That person was his blessing…and his curse.

Something stirred painfully in Hyunjin’s chest and suddenly, it became painful and difficult to breathe.

“Over here!” Jeongin waved. “Look who’s here, hurry up, Minnie!”

“Hey, Hyunjin?” Jisung asked, looking worried at how Hyunjin looked right now. “Are you okay?”

“N-No…” the taller croaked out. Hyunjin gathered his wits and dared to lift his gaze only to lock with a familiar set of almond shaped eyes framed by thick, black rimmed glasses that he had dearly missed looking into. The same eyes that bore into his without a hint of emotion as he flat out called Hyunjin crazy for believing that they were soulmates at the rooftop deck of his old high school.

“This is the friend I was talking to you about!” Jeongin said cheerfully. “He’s also good friends with Hyunjin-hyung, although he went to a different school.”

The group looked expectantly at Jeongin’s companion who offered a polite bow and a pleasant smile. “Hi, my name is Kim Seungmin, first year business administration major and minor in English studies.”

Felix felt his smile fade at that name.

“I love him, Felix.” Hyunjin admitted. “If the flowers are removed, so will my feelings. It’s all I have left of him and our friendship before it was ruined.”

Felix felt his jaw tighten and his fist curled into a fist.

“He said I was crazy.”

He spotted Changbin throw him a side-glance when his soulmate felt the wariness. When he looked around, Felix also noticed a slight shift in Chan’s smile; it was subtle, but it was there.

So, Chan knew about Seungmin too.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Seungmin smiled. He addressed everyone but he only looked at Hyunjin who stared back at him, pale faced and nervous. “and it’s also good to see you again, Hyunjin-hyu--…”

“It is.” Hyunjin cut Seungmin off. His voice was hard but, it shook right around the edges.

“Hey, we’re going to the mall for lunch, maybe you guys would like to go?” Jisung offered and Changbin nodded.

“Yeah,” Felix’s soulmate said. “then we’re heading to the arcade right after.”

“That sounds great!” Jeongin replied excitedly. “We’d love to, right, Minnie?”

Innie.

Minnie.

Jinnie.

“Soulmates aren’t real, Hyunjin-hyung.”

Hyunjin felt his stomach churn. He wanted to cough then throw up bile and stomach acid because he didn’t eat breakfast yet.

“I’m sorry, I... I forgot something at the practice room,” Hyunjin gave a quick, apologetic bow. “I’ll see you guys later!”

He turned on his heel and ran as fast as he could until he was far away as possible from the others who watched him, surprised and confused. When he finally collapsed behind one of the bleachers at the football field behind the school, Hyunjin hunched over and coughs racked his whole body and he covered his mouth with his hand.

“I’m in love with you, Seungmin.”

“I’m…flattered, hyung, but I’m not.”

“But…but could you at least give me a chance? Maybe…”

“Please go back to your school before your teachers find out that you’ve been sneaking out. You might not be able to graduate if you get into trouble.”

The memory of Seungmin retreating as he walked away and left Hyunjin on the school rooftop that fateful day brought tears to his eyes.

“Hyunjin, the treatment can only provide temporary relief; it won’t be enough to cure you.” Dr. Kim Namjoon’s words. “You will have to make a decision soon.”

 Hyunjin fell to his knees, head bent low as he coughed out little blue petals stained with blood.

To be continued? We'll see...