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He'd been sitting on one of the daybeds; legs crossed over one another with a yellow throw-pillow resting on his lap even though he's already complained at least twenty times now that he was hot. The clear water bottle that was gifted to each islander was snug against his chest, opened and ready to be drunk from at any time. Felix had a pair of black sunglasses resting upon the top of his faux blonde hair, only being repositioned to the bridge of his nose when witnessing a rather disturbing scene. He didn't want to come off as nosey if caught staring. It was in front of him, where the giant rectangular pool was built. Newcomer Jung Wooyoung had just come from the outdoor kitchen—mouth still finishing the last bits of his lunch—and with a set goal gleaming within his brown eyes, he approached one of the few people that sat chatting with their feet dangling within the cold water. It was Changbin. Of course it was. Wooyoung has made it known for the past three days since he's arrived that he was extremely interested in the buff male. And so with confidence that had everyone else in the villa beat, he stopped to catch Changbin's attention.
"Hey Bin," He shamelessly interrupted the conversation Changbin was having with Jungkook. Both men were taken by surprise at Wooyoung's presence; and yet neither seemed disturbed. Rather in fact Changbin looked flattered to be talked to, all while Jungkook began to give suggestive stares. Felix wasn't all too close with Jungkook, but the elder definitely knew what he and the buff male had going on. They were supposedly one of the stronger couples—how dare he even insinuate that Changbin should be open to whatever Wooyoung may have to offer? That sounded selfish. "Did you want to go for a chat?
Obviously Felix wished that his partner would say no. He would explain that he wasn't open to a possible fling, and that he was already one hundred percent satisfied with the growing relationship that he has with the freckled Australian. But of course, not wanting to seem like an asshole by refusing to talk, Changbin gave a smile while nodding. He got ready to ask where they could possibly go in order to chat a little more privately, but was stopped by Jungkook speaking up.
"You guys can just stay here. I was getting a little hungry anyway" Neither one can protest either, because the edgy male was already standing to his dripping wet feet. Wooyoung smiled with gratitude before taking his place. Great, now Felix had a front row seat to watching a single man try and shamelessly flirt with his partner. He had Jungkook to thank for that. The faux blonde was rather glad that his eyes couldn't be seen, or else an intense glare would be shown. The only positive side of this, is that Felix would be able to listen in on Changbin and Wooyoung's conversation—get a sense of whether or not something might actually spark between them. He had to be real quiet though.
"That's not a pretty sight" Felix stopped his staring from in front of him to focus it to the right. He was met with fellow friend Jimin. He didn't ask for permission when it came to stealing the spot beside him; automatically doing it and forcing Felix to shift a little bit to the left. Jimin had obviously been talking about the duo smiling and talking by the pool, and Felix could only hum at the comment. The both of them sat there watching, listening, before the older male spoke yet again. "Do you think there might be something between them? Wooyoung seems very keen on getting to know Changbin, and from the looks of things Changbin isn't opposed to it."
Felix shrugged. His gaze narrowed in further on the two. Wooyoung had just giggled loudly at whatever lame joke Changbin had just told him. He used the opportunity to lurch forward and drop a hand to the other's large biceps. If the freckled Australian sucked his teeth out of annoyance from the sight, Jimin said nothing about it. Instead he looked baffled by the action. The newcomer had a lot of guts to so openly flirt with a taken man—even as a single and having that as the whole purpose of his character. Find someone he found attractive and then possibly grow a connection with said person. Still didn't stop any onlookers from being intrigued with what Wooyoung may do next.
"I just don't want him to take interest in Wooyoung, and then close off what we've been working on, ya' know?" The faux blonde finally broke his stare from the duo to face Jimin. The other nodded in understanding. "I know it's still early days for us, and I shouldn't get attached so quickly...but I don't know," Felix heaved a sigh as he fixed his sitting position. He was no longer slouching, but now sat up-right with an extra pink pillow to support his back. "He's been saying all the right things since day one, and gives me the right amount of attention. Not to mention, we've been sharing a few late night kisses" He wasn't able to say more when three other people approached. One of which was someone who suggested that Wooyoung and Changbin share matching smiles in front of him. Jungkook took a seat at the feet of Jimin, handing his own partner a blue bowl filled with purple grapes and a chaste peck on the lips. Not too far behind him was Seokmin and his partner Minghao. They cuddled close to the end where Felix moved his feet for them to sit. "Why would you suggest that they sit there and talk? I don't want to witness them flirting with one another, Kook."
The aforementioned was taken aback by the harsh tone.
"I didn't know you were sitting here. If I would have known-"
"Still, I saw the way that you began to wiggle your eyebrows or whatever when Wooyoung came over. Tell me, is there something going on between them?" Felix urged for an answer. He was visibly upset and Jungkook was stumbling trying to find a decent response. Thankfully Seokmin had saved him from trying to comfort the other.
"Lix, I don't think there's much that you have to worry about. Whenever I spoke to Bin, he seemed smitten by you" Seokmin put his hands to Minghao's shoulders and began to massage the tense muscle there. "Yeah Woo may be shiny and new, but I can guarantee that-" He was interrupted by his partner. The red-head whipped his head around and furrowed his eyebrows. It halted the strong hands that still lay upon him, confusion now not only coming from Seokmin but everyone else as well.
"No, do you not remember what happened yesterday?" Minghao returned his attention to a fretting Felix. He gave a look of sympathy, matching it with a comforting hand to rub at his bare knee. It had done nothing but make the Australian scared. His chest was tightening and his stomach was fluttering. Nevertheless he kept a stoic expression while waiting for whatever news the red-head was about to explain. "DK and I saw them in the bathroom yesterday. It was for a quick second because we were definitely interrupting something...but Wooyoung was sitting on the counter and then Changbin was in between his legs I think. They were oddly close and talking about something in a whisper."
Felix nodded at the words, eyes drifting from the man in front of him to his supposed loyal partner. He was still chatting with Wooyoung, but things must be ending because they were beginning to stand on their feet. They never stopped smiling through it all—instead them getting bigger with twinkles in their irises. The blonde shouldn't be hurt by it all. He and Changbin weren't an official couple and it's only been a few days. But he was. He took all of the small actions and words the buff male had said to him and made sure they were glued to his already weak heart. So the way that his eyes began to prick with light tears had a reasoning behind it. His small hands were immediately rising to wipe the salty droplets away.
"Aw, Felix,"
"No, don't make it seem like I'm crying. Act normal" He said it when Jimin tried to reach out and hug him. He didn't need the rest of the islanders to be alarmed by his stupid emotions. Especially not Changbin (who was beginning to walk over with a grin yet slight confusion). Probably wondering why two couples were surrounding the Australian. Jimin and Jungkook got up from their seats with a brief explanation that they themselves as a couple wanted a private chat, and then Seokmin and Minghao followed not too long after saying that they would go and speak with Seungmin and Jeongin. A duo that ended up agreeing that they much rather just stay close friends. Too using each other as a safety option in case anyone new came into the villa with no attraction for either of them.
"Hey," It sounded like a whisper to Felix—which would be weird to others considering Changbin was a rather loud person. But to the freckled Australian it was common to see a more calm and quiet side to him. "You look upset, what's wrong?"
Ah, thank goodness he chose to keep his sunglasses on.
"What do you mean? I'm fine" He looked at the other. His expression came off unreadable (but that's probably because he had shades on). "I was just sitting here enjoying the conversation with the friends you scared off" He got a chuckle out of that one. "You seem like you enjoyed your conversation as well" He motioned over towards a laughing Wooyoung.
Changbin sighed.
"No yeah, I guess," There was a pause as if he was taking the time to collect his thoughts. Create something that will ease the frenzy that was Felix's insecure mind. "It wasn't about much though. He just kept saying how he would love to keep talking to me...you know, just kept saying that he wanted to get to know me better and that I was probably the only person in the villa that he would love to couple up with."
"And what did you say back? Do you want to couple up with him?"
"Lix, we told each other from day one that we would still speak to whoever wanted to speak with us-"
Felix nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, but we also said that we wouldn't close each other off completely until we knew that there was a better connection with someone else. We are to keep each other updated on potential partners" He had to take a sip from his water bottle in order to shift his growing irritation. "Do you think that you could have something better with Wooyoung? It's okay to tell me if you do."
The older male went silent again. He shifted his gaze downwards to an extra blue pillow. He played with the corner of it. He'd yet to look back up at Felix when going to speak.
"I mean, if he were to pick me-"
"No, when he does pick you. You just said that he's only really interested in you. And considering he gets first choice, there's no doubt that he'll say your name" The blonde had come to terms with his fate. He's going home the minute the recoupling is over.
"You don't know that. Yeah, he's only really interested in me, but he also said that he was getting to know Soobin a lot recently and that his mind is swaying a bit" Changbin was getting a little upset with the quick accusations that the other was spewing. He was leaving little to no space for an argument. "But if Wooyoung were to choose me, I wouldn't be opposed to it" Felix looked to have deflated then. "That doesn't mean I'm throwing what we have away though. I would love to keep what we have going, and then once the time comes I'll choose who I have a better connection with."
"You're making it seem like we're some pawns in your little game. We have feelings, Bin. You're not going to keep bouncing back and forth between us" Felix moved to the edge of the daybed. "I'm telling you now, once Wooyoung says your name, there's no more me and you. That is unless you go up to him right now and say not to pick you. Say that there's no chance and that you only wish to pursue me."
Changbin shook his head with a deep exhale. Felix stood up with the wordless answer.
"If he chooses me, I have no choice."
"I just told you what to do!" Felix caught the attention of everyone. He didn't care though.
"And what if he picks me anyway!? Felix, you're being extremely irrational right now. I said that I was still open to what we have. Let that be enough."
"Okay, but once you forget about me all because you're constantly with him..." He sighed. "But who says that I'll even be staying? I might just be sent home" He fixed the sunglasses that began to slide off his nose. "I'm done with this conversation. I'm gonna go shower."
"Can we please talk about this later? After things have cooled between us?"
Felix nodded for a reply. Changbin returned it; and then they were heading off in different directions. Or that was until they (and everyone else in the villa) had froze from a familiar dinging sound. Heads whipped around in hopes to find out who and where it had come from. All except for Yeonjun (who was moments before massaging sunscreen lotion onto his partner Soobin's back). He was quick to perk at the noise, grabbing his complimentary phone (that was meant for scenarios like this) from the ground and then jumping to his feet.
"I got a text!" Murmurs were heard throughout the villa, along with feet padding on closer. Soobin even stood to his own feet, lean figure pressing to the back of Yeonjun. "Hurry, gather around! Okay, so—islanders, tonight there will be a recoupling," Eyes had blown wide and jaws dropped to the floor. "Considering Wooyoung has just entered, he picks first. Blues will be choosing after. Hashtag don't get too comfortable, hashtag there is more to come."
There were glances at Wooyoung who smiled cheekily, before everyone was looking down at their wrist. Colored bracelets were wrapped there. Changbin, Soobin, Jungkook, Seungmin and Seokmin had blue while Felix, Yeonjun, Jimin, Jeongin and Minghao had red. Wooyoung too had red, but like said: considering he was the newest islander, he is automatically safe with the golden opportunity that is choosing who he wishes to couple with first.
"Hold on, more to come? Does that mean someone new is coming in?" Jeongin spoke up. "I sure hope so" He glances at Seungmin. "No offense."
"None taken. I'm waiting for someone as well. Sharing a bed with you is getting quite boring."
Laughs were done.
"Well, we better get dressed then. Something nice too, just in case someone does come in" Yeonjun smirks. He gave an eyebrow wiggle as well. The actions managed to get him a light smack to his arm by Soobin. There was obviously no ill intention in anything the pair had done, because seconds later they were in each other's arms sharing light kisses to the lips. Or that was until Jeongin had to rip them apart and guide them back into the villa where they shall rummage through large closets full of their clothes. With a tight hug from Jungkook, consolation from Minghao, and then a promise to make him into an irresistible being by Jimin, Felix was able to relax long enough to doll himself up and then sit through a toast that was given by Seokmin.
It was sundown by the time everyone clinked their champagne glasses together. Cheers echoed throughout the distance and distrubed some of the birds that once peacefully sat upon the trees. And then they split up, already so eager to run off with a friend or their partner and do the only thing that was available for the night: talk. Felix had just let the tight grin on his face fall as Jimin approached with the intention of being told what the conversation between him and Changbin was about. Only as the two took a seat on the curve that was the long white bench that was labeled as the fire pit (due to the literal fire pit that was built not too far from it), not even a few minutes later said buff male was approaching.
"Felix, can we talk for a minute?" The Australian said yes and so Changbin looked at Jimin, who took the hint and stood to his feet. He flattened out his white pants before leaving the duo alone. Changbin stole his spot then, actually moving closer to the younger. "I'm sorry about before. I don't want us to be on bad terms."
"I'm sorry as well. Obviously we're not official or anything, so I had no reason to act so childish. You have all right to get to know anyone you want," He sharply inhaled before releasing it with a defeated smile. "And if you genuinely want to try things with Wooyoung, I can't stop you."
"I want to try things with you too though" Changbin reached out to grab for one of Felix's hands, entangling their fingers together. The blonde was quick to stare at the act, ears heating at the simple act of affection. "I like what we have. And like I said before, even if Wooyoung does pick me, I still want to keep speaking with you."
"So what? You're going to kiss and be with me in the day, but then go and cuddle him in bed?"
"No, I wouldn't do anything with either of you. Out of respect."
"That's the thing," Felix removed his hand and shoved it between his thighs. Changbin frowned at the disconnection. "I don't want to have to stop everything that we've been doing—have gotten comfortable with, all because you want to give Wooyoung a chance."
"I can't just make out with you in front of him Felix. You would hate it if it were the other way around" Changbin blurts. He doesn't wish for their chat to escalate again, but it just might with how things were looking. "Say Wooyoung doesn't pick me. Or for some reason me and you are still together, and then someone comes in just right for you...what, you're gonna immediately say no to that chance in order to save my feelings? You wouldn't and neither am I."
"I just don't want you to make a mistake all because he's new."
"I got a text!" It was shouted by Seungmin. He stood from his spot on a yellow beanbag, cell phone in hand as the bright screen illuminated his handsome features. Everyone was quick to stop whatever they were doing to look in his direction and hear what he had to say. Tapping the screen a few times, the dark brunette then smiled as he read out the newest announcement. "Islanders, please head to the firepit immediately."
Felix and Changbin stared at one another with knowing looks. Or well everyone knew. That's why each pair held on tight to each other. While some knew that they were safe for the night, doubt and worry filled others. That being Yeonjun. Because while it wasn't a secret that Wooyoung had massive heart eyes for Changbin, he too had Soobin in the back of his mind. They've chatted a lot more recently (that is if he isn't trying to win over the short buff male with an all black wardrobe), and it's been making the dirty blonde's skin crawl. At any given moment Wooyoung could flip and decide to choose Soobin all because he saw how much damage he would be doing to Felix. But what about Yeonjun? What about how he felt? He clung just a little bit tighter to his partner as they neared the fire pit bench. Soobin chuckled at his clinginess, trying his best to ease his concern with a light peck to his temple.
They all sat in their couples. Wooyoung sat on the end, an empty spot beside him and waiting to be filled by any of the men who were near. The air around them was quiet. Fire crackling, a few birds chirping, and crickets playing songs were what filled the eerie tension. Personally Felix couldn't bear to remove his sight from the bright yellow and orange flame that was in front of him. Not even when he felt Jungkook rub at his shoulder.
Ding.
Wooyoung received a message. He opened it with baited breath, filling everyone else with dread.
"Wooyoung, it is now time to choose which boy you would like to couple up with. Please stand and face your fellow islanders" He did as told. He moved so he was on the opposite side of everyone, a few feet away and holding only an answer that he could give. He exhaled slowly before parting his lips to speak once more. "I would like to couple up with this boy because everytime we spoke, it felt so natural. I didn't have to force anything, and not to mention they are quite the looker. Given more time, I believe that something good could grow between us. So the person I choose to couple up with is..." His breath was shaky as he inhaled. He momentarily closed his eyes before opening them as a light smile tugged at his face. "Changbin."
Of course.
Everyone but Felix clapped from the decision. Changbin removed the arm that he had wrapped around Felix's waist in order to stand and greet Wooyoung. They shared a hug before finding new seats at the end. It was quiet again. The Australian could hear Yeonjun whisper about being relieved to Soobin, but that was it. The inevitable was about to happen. It all felt so fast but in slow motion at the same time. Minghao had been the one to receive a text next, explaining that everyone with red bracelets shall now stand up and face the other islanders. Felix glanced at how Wooyoung stayed seated, Changbin right beside him with a solemn expression. After that his sight returned right back to the fire. He just barely registered the way Jungkook and Soobin were the first to go, saying extremely cheesy explanations about how they are very content with the person they are with. He forced a happy smile for the loveable couples. Looks as though Jimin and Yeonjun are safe for another week. Seungmin was next. He was last actually. And he was being told to choose between his current partner Jeongin or go with the crazy option that is Felix.
Felix was okay with leaving. He accepted it hours ago.
"...so the person I would like to couple up with is..." But just for a second there was hope that he would have been chosen. "Jeongin."
Jeongin gave Felix his best and tightest hug before scurrying off to thank Seungmin for choosing him. They sat down beside one another and Felix was left all alone. It was embarrassing actually. Being the center of attention with a terrible outcome. He choked back the sobs that itched at his throat, but his eyes didn't get the memo and started to glisten with fresh tears. Maybe if he smiled, no one would know that he was genuinely hurt by this?
Ding.
He was the one to get a text now. He took his phone from his pocket, dreading what was to be read. He cleared his throat before saying it aloud.
"Felix, seeing as you are left without a couple you are now vulnerable. But Korea has been voting," Wait what? He wasn't the only one confused. More small messages continued to pop up on the screen. "They were asked to choose who they wanted to see find love the most" Gasps from others could be heard. "You have received the most votes. You will not be leaving the villa tonight. Please have a seat."
A smile broke out on his face as an overwhelming sensation of solace swept over him. And just before anyone could stand up and celebrate the amazing news, Seokmin's phone went off. All eyes flew to him and bodies grew tense once more.
"Korea has been voting for who they wanted to see find love the most. The islander with the least votes will leave the villa."
Jeongin's phone went off next. He read what was sent. Hearts dropped right then.
"Wooyoung, you have been excluded from the voting. And considering you chose Changbin, he now is as well. Everyone besides them and Felix, please stand."
People stood, reassurance was said. But no amount of words or tight grips could stop the ill-feeling that erupted within everyone. Felix was yet again the one to get a text.
"In no particular order, I will now read out who is safe...Minghao" The red-head sighed before reclaiming his seat. "Jungkook" He was still nervous for Jimin and refused to let his small and chubby hand go. "Seungmin" He ran a hand through his hair and sat down. "Jeongin" He mentally cheered, but his joy wasn't hidden by the way he smiled. "Seokmin" He looked as though he was ready to give prayers, but opted for sitting and giving Minghao a peck on the lips. It was down to Jimin and Yeonjun. Jungkook and Soobin looked as though they just ran a marathon. Either or, the person going home will be leaving a giant hole in people's hearts. "The islander with the least votes is..." The name that popped up was almost physically painful to read. "Jimin. Yeonjun, you are safe."
Once knowing that no further bad news was about to occur, Jungkook sprung to his feet and engulfed Jimin in the tightest hug he could muster. It's not like the other man rejected it either. He actually buried his face in the other's chest, letting the tears he's been trying to hold back finally fall. They stained both his face and the other male's shirt. Everyone gave them the moment they needed. But once words were shared, passionate kisses were given, and another deadly hug was done, Jimin was finally able to be swept up in the crowd that was his friends awaiting their own farewell embrace. Some even gave Jungkook pats on the back.
"Oh we're going to miss you so much," Jeongin claimed. No one denied that. Instead they agreed and then helped guide Jimin back to the villa where he was supposed to pack up his belongings. It was all so bittersweet. While they were grateful to be spending another night in a gorgeous house, someone that they have grown close with in such a short time would be leaving. And without a partner at that.
They all piled near the front door where they would be seeing Jimin off.
"If you leave here without that connection you were looking for, just know I'll be waiting" It was Jimin saying it to Jungkook as they shared one last kiss. Everyone cooed at the sight. Or that was until Seokmin was shouting that they should have a group hug. It was with that Jimin then left, suitcase following behind him. Jungkook didn't wait for another to close the door, he was already rushing to the bathroom where he was hopefully able to calm down. Felix followed after him, to which Changbin followed him.
They saw Jungkook leant over the sink, bottom lip caught between his teeth.
"You really liked him huh?"
"I know-" Jungkook cleared his voice. "I know it's only been a couple of days, but it all moves so fast in here. I was really hoping that we could have grown more, ya know? See if what we build in here could be done on the outside."
"He's not going to be the only one you feel this towards," Changbin said now. "Who knows? Maybe someone will come in and you'll have an even stronger connection with them? You just need to sit and think about everything. Emotions are high tonight. I promise you'll feel better in the morning."
"And if I don't?" Jungkook said with a chuckle.
"Jimin is waiting for you," Felix answered.
Nothing more could be said as in rushed Soobin.
"Guys, Minghao got a text. Come on!" He rushed them all out of the bathroom, evidently leading towards the outdoor kitchen. The others already stood there waiting for what other game changing news that could be done.
"It's just one thing after another" Seungmin mumbled.
"Alright, is everyone here now?" Once confirmation had been given, Minghao began to read. "Minghao, Wonwoo would like to see you for a date. Please get ready to leave the villa immediately."
"Oh my—you're going on a date! I knew, we'd be getting new people!" Jeongin shouted excitedly. Others looked happy for Minghao. Seokmin not so much.
Ding.
Felix was ready to collapse when he realized that that was coming from his phone. He pulled it from his pants pocket, unlocking it to see that a brand new message had popped up.
"Felix, Keeho would like to see you for a date. Please get ready to leave the villa immediately."
Yet again Jeongin was showing nothing but joy. Or that was until he was halting with a frown. Felix was being congratulated. Especially when Changbin had just been stolen from him. To whom wasn't all too peppy about the idea of Felix possibly taking an interest in someone else. That's selfish of him to think.
"It couldn't be me? What a damn shame" Jeongin crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't worry, once they get in here and see how undeniably irresistible I am, I won't be able to keep Wonwoo or Keeho away" He got amused hums in return before Seungmin was dragging him away.
"I guess we should go do a few touch ups," Felix suggested to Minghao, who agreed. The red-head had to step around Seokmin, leaving a light kiss to his cheek in his wake before taking hold of his Australian friend's hand. The same Australian who gave Changbin his best grin before turning the corner. He didn't have to give any further assurance as they weren't a couple anymore. All he had to do was look forward to his date with this Keeho fellow. Which he was hyping himself up for. A little bit of lip gloss to his already pink lips, a spritz of his favorite perfume, making sure his little amount of makeup wasn't smudge due to his stress sweat.
Then he and Minghao were off. They left through the front door, and were then guided down a path by a man from the production crew. They were brought to a secluded area that was decorated romantically. Two tables were feet away from one another, covered by a maroon tablecloth and a bottle of fresh champagne. And there were two men. They were handsome. Too handsome. And apparently polite. The strangers stood from their seats and were quick to greet their date. Minghao was pulled away by the Wonwoo guy first due to being closer, while Felix was being given a cheek kiss and gentle hug when Keeho introduced himself. His chair was being pulled out for him, and a compliment was being said. The blonde felt very special right now. And it didn't help that once the other sat down across from him and then smiled, he could feel his stomach flutter. Keeho was pouring him a glass of alcohol when a conversation was finally initiated.
"So you chose me willingly?"
"Of course."