Chapter Text
Cameras clicked excessively; the set was adorned in everything beige. Beige coloured walls, with undertones of ivory, a beige coloured couch sitting in the midst with a warm yellow blanket draped over it in a calculated yet casual way. Ivy vines crawled on the wall like a decorative item, photo frames hanging on the wall with precise colours, a coffee table placed in the middle that held a stack of beige, old books, it's papers wrinkled and torn, and in the midst, stood Lee Felix.
Wearing a sleeveless beige cropped top, with citrines embedded in the top, its neckline cutting deep into his chest region, with the top two buttons unbuttoned. His pants were white, trouser pants, tapered at the ankles, and accessories hanging onto the fabric for dear life. The cropped shirt showed off his lean stomach, a fake navel piercing, and everything complemented his lean figure.
His blonde hair cascaded down in waves, his eyes punctuated by a silver eyeshadow, around his eyes and in the inner edge of his eye, along with some gemstones. His freckles were left on display, and his lips were covered in a pale pink lip gloss. A pendant around his neck with a yellow sapphire complemented the whole outfit.
Lee Felix posed. Whistles and whispers from the back of the venue could be heard. Hushed murmurs of how someone could be like this, and by this, they mean 'an angel on earth'. People talk behind his back; claiming how he could be so successful when he's only twenty-five. He's been on various fashion shows; been a runway model for many of the fashion brands. But he's never stuck to one brand.
The lights flicker, and the sounds of cameras clicking pictures fill the place. A stylist from the back whispers, "I just don't know how he could be so successful."
The digital technician replies, "I don't know. Maybe it's because of his parents? I've heard that they're loaded too."
The prop stylist murmurs, "haven't y'all heard? He's not in a good relationship with his parents. Like I don't know what happened, but he doesn't see them anymore. And they've cut off all the wealth pertaining to him."
"And yet he's so rich?" The creative director asks in awe.
"Bro, he models rarely. Like once in six months or so. Just models for whichever brand calls him first. This time we were lucky," the seamstress answers.
"But with each photoshoot, fashion week, or runway he earns millions. That's why maybe he's so rich," the producer comments.
"He's just so elegant and angelic. Like he's a fairy, all those freckles also look so good on him," the director exclaims.
"If I was gay, I'd actually go for him," the prop stylist giggles, while the photographer keeps shouting praises to the model, Felix.
"Do you know where he lives?" The makeup artist inquires.
"I heard it's in Cheongdam-dong. It's the richest neighbourhood in Seoul," the wardrobe stylist states.
"Those apartments where they overlook the Han river?" The lighting technician gasps.
"I think so. Many idols live there too. Apparently, he's the first model to get a housing there," the assistant stylist replies.
"Woah, he's fucking loaded then!" The hair stylist exclaims.
"Yeah, and he comes to these shoots whenever he's bored, it seems. Or else, he has enough money for a lifetime. Why would he even work, anyway?" The digital technician rolls his eyes.
"He's filthy rich! Man, I wanna live like that too!" The producer's assistant whines.
"You will, when you start doing your job properly," the producer smacks the assistant on his head.
"Get to work!"
_
Felix shimmies out of his glimmery top. Not gonna lie, it looked beautiful, but downright itchy. Never in his life is he gonna wear the same top ever again. He wears his baby blue hoodie and the white sweatpants he had bought, packs his bags and bids farewell to the director, producers and photographers.
"The photos will be released after two months. I'll email the photos to you later in the evening," the photographer says.
"And maybe recommend which photos you'll like on the magazine cover," the photographer adds, and Felix nods.
"Thank you," Felix smiles.
"It's not a problem, we look forward to working with you," the director replies with a cheery grin.
Felix nods. "Hopefully, never," Felix whispers under his breath.
When he exits the venue, he sees a Rolls-Royce Spectre, in magnificent white, and Felix grins. He opens the passenger seat and gets in.
"How'd it go?" Chan asks, sitting in the driver's seat.
"Great, but don't you have a job to do? You're the CEO of The Lavish Layers, idiot! One of the most reputable brands!" Felix flicks the other's forehead.
Chan pouts. "Is it so bad that I want to get you home safely?"
"If you're neglecting your work, then yes," Felix glares.
"Okay then. Walk to your home," Chan frowns playfully while Felix gasps.
"How dare you ask me to walk to my home? Do you know that my legs will ache?" He screeches, but grins.
"Mhm. Now shut up and let me drive you home," Chan says, and the engine roars to life.
They sing along to the songs on the radio, anyone who'd peek in wouldn't believe that it is a CEO and a very famous model travelling together. They act like they are literal five-year-olds.
"By the way, when do we all meet up? Jake, Niki and Sunghoon are all eager to meet the old man before he dies, their words, not mine," Felix says, and Chan is fed up.
"I'll call those little rascals later. Old man? I'm only twenty-eight," Chan huffs.
"Still older than almost everyone, Rosie is the only one older than you. And the throuple loves her too much to tease. So you're their only target," Felix concludes.
"But I'm not that old!"
"Bro, they're literally twenty and you're twenty-eight," Felix deadpans.
"To them, you are an oldie," Felix nods.
"Then you also should be one, you're five years older than them," Chan pouts.
"Only five, but you? Eight fucking years!"
"Broo!"
"Ew! Don't bro me!" Felix winces.
Chan sighs. "No one likes me."
"Everyone likes you, old man."
"Especially you!"
_
When Chan drops him off with a scowl, Felix only giggles. He takes the elevator to the 12th floor. The whole apartment has 13 floors. The twelfth and the thirteenth floors are owned by Felix, like a two-story apartment, with everything; a swimming pool, a karaoke room, a gym room, a sauna whenever required, a jacuzzi and everything else.
He gets off at the twelfth floor, opens the door with his keycard and then flops down on his red coloured couch. The living room hosts a huge television fixed on the wall, the floor-to-ceiling windows giving a magnificent view of the Han River, and people wandering in the streets.
"Luna!" He calls out.
A soft meow rings in his ears.
He turns around and picks up the cat. Luna, a Turkish angora, with wonderful white fur and mismatched eyes, one in amber and the other a clear, crystal blue. He had gotten her from the Blue cross near him. She was the most stubborn one. Refused to even look at him, while all the other cats and dogs loved him too much.
Felix had decided then. He would adopt Luna. It had been two years now. And Luna is the best companion he could ever ask for. She always demanded her hair to be brushed atleast twice a week. Would ask for treats and rubs. Would snuggle up to him when he's feeling like shit. The best cuddle partner in bed.
He gives Luna some belly rubs before sauntering into his room. A king-sized bed, too big for one person, but Felix likes the space. Sometimes he would like to be held, and other times he'd like his space. There is no one to hold him, though. His romantic life is absolutely non-existent.
After his last boyfriend, he vowed he'd never fall in love. Though he isn't sure about that. Everything happens simultaneously without a second to pause. Feelings are like that, too. He'd be open to a relationship, but he would need to find the right guy.
Yes, a guy. He's gay.
Felix grabs a big black oversized tee, and pairs it with the shortest white shorts that don't even cover his butt fully. It's his go-to clothes if he's stressed. And he just wants to relax. And his panties.
Yeah, panties. He does not have a dick between his legs. A vagina, actually.
He identifies himself as a male in public, it's not like anyone's gonna strip him down to prove that he isn't a male. No one is gonna know. Except his hookups. That is, if they even know who he is in that drunken state.
He strips down and gets into his jacuzzi. His muscles relax in the warm water. Maybe he should've added some bath bombs. But it's fine. He just wants to relax.
The jacuzzi is located next to the wall, the walls are painted in sandy brown, with potted plants placed on an elevated area, next to the jacuzzi.
Next to the right of his jacuzzi, there is the sink, with cabinets beneath and above the mirror. Opposite to the sink is the shower, encased within glass walls and a curtain. Well, the curtain isn't needed, because Felix is the only one living there. It's not like anyone's gonna peek.
Next to the shower stall are the robes. Colourful and really pretty. He chooses each one based on his mood that day.
Felix sighs, leaning back against the marble tub. What he's missing now is the red wine.
A bath in his jacuzzi and red wine? Fucking fantastic!
The warm water swished around him, the golden lights flickering as they glowed; Felix felt at peace. He's got everything now: money, fame, connections, but no family.
His family was always judgmental of him. At first, they refused to believe that he was a boy, and not a girl. After some tests, they had found out he was indeed a male, but with a different.. equipment.
He was isolated, pushed aside as his parents showered praises and money on their two daughters. Never once did they even turn back and look at him. As if he were a disgrace to the family.
His family was rich. In Australia, they had been running a university and a company. It brought them plenty of profits. The college soon rose up in social status, with everyone saying that it was the college that the elite children went to. And Felix? He didn't want to study there.
His parents' coworkers, those disgusting rich oldies, unabashedly ogled at him when he was only twelve. Said he was too pretty for a male. That maybe he could rival the world's most beautiful women. That he was only known for his looks. He hated them with all his body and mind.
His sisters would assure him that he wasn't what everyone told him to be. That he was uniquely himself. That it didn't matter that he liked flowers instead of racecars or that he liked baking instead of basketball.
Of course, his parents didn't agree. They often blamed him for being born like..this. That he wasn't a male but a female. Often made him feel ashamed by saying that they had three daughters. That he wasn't a man. That he didn't look like a man. The typical man with a moustache and a beard with thick eyebrows, and unruly hair.
Felix blinked out of his thoughts, sighing to himself when he knows he hadn't gotten out of that insecurity as he claimed to be. That he still gets enraged and ashamed when people mistake him to be a woman. And when they realise he's a man with his deep voice, they insult him. Like it's his fault for being born that way.
He decides that soaking in the bathtub didn't bring him relaxation but nerves. He quickly steps out of the bathtub, water dripping down his thighs and body as he steps on the plush brown rug located right outside the jacuzzi.
Felix walks to the cabinets and pulls out a new towel to dry himself. Once he's dry, he slips on his baby blue panties and his white shorts. Lastly, he pulls on the big oversized black tee that covers his shorts and reaches his mid-thigh.
He picks up Luna, where she had been meowing on the bathroom floor, seemingly watching over him when he's in a vulnerable state. Felix chuckles. Cats claim that they're disgusted by people and do the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done in their lives.
He feeds her food in her bowl and cooks ramen in his kitchen. It boils in three minutes, and he adds all the sauce and vegetables. He lets them sit for a minute longer before he's gobbling them down. He's starving.
He watches a documentary after his dinner, something about white tigers and their cute cubs, and Felix finds himself cooing over them. Luna looks like she's disgusted by him and walks to her bed.
Felix sits there, watching the television, when his phone rings.
"Hello?" He asks.
"Hey, hyung. How are you?" Jake asks from the other side, and Felix grins.
"Better than ever, you?" Felix responds in English.
"I'm fine. Just knew that you have done the first photoshoot in a while, so I'm enquiring. How'd it go?" Jake asks, while laughter rings from the background.
"It went fine. The old man picked me up, so I'm back safe and sound," Felix nods.
"He's literally everyone's dad," Niki snorts, and Felix laughs.
"Am I on speaker?" Felix questions.
"Yeah," Jake says.
"Where's Heeseung then?" Felix asks, "Did he sleep already?"
"Nope. He's right here, being silent and creepy," Niki says.
"I'm literally your boyfriend. Have some respect," Heeseung pouts.
"Respect is for old people like Chan, not you," Niki scoffs.
"Damn," Felix guffaws.
"I'm telling Chan this one," Felix giggles.
"Well, whatever. So, when's the next shoot if you are doing any, that is." Heeseung asks.
"Don't know. Probably after six months," Felix shrugs.
"Bro. You're literally a model." Jake blinks.
"A filthy rich model," Felix corrects.
Niki snorts. "Yeah, yeah. You're fucking rich with millions in your bank account. We know that," Niki pouts.
"Mhm." Felix nods.
"Well, go to sleep. You are also in the process of becoming old and old people need more sleep," Niki points out.
"Can someone smack him for me, please?" Felix sweetly asks and soon, there's a resounding smack on the other side, followed by a pained cry.
"Done," Heeseung comments.
"Thanks! Sleep tight, dream of me," Felix smiles when he hears all three of them let out disgusted 'ew's.
He skips to his bedroom, hops on his bed after locking the doors and sleeps tight, wrapped in a blanket burrito, with Luna at the corner letting out occasional unimpressed mewls.
_
Felix skips to his kitchen, immediately feeding Luna as he had woken up late. It was noon time, and he prepared his own lunch. Some leftover kimchi with pickled radish and seasoned spinach. With some rice and a soup he made. Nothing extravagant. Something simple.
He doom scrolls; finding literally nothing to do, he plays video games or fiddles with his phone. Tiktok, instagram, X, he tries everything to get rid of his boredom. That's when his eyes catch a particular article about the Divine Drape.
The brand known for its fantastic collection with chic pieces. Vintage products that transcends time. Modernity among the new generation. The new winter collection that was released caught many people's attention. But now, the company isn't doing great, according to the new report.
"The Divine Drape, the brand known for its fame and collections is facing a downfall. The globally recognized brand is losing sponsors and ambassadors over a small mix-up as the CEO,
Mr. Hwang Hyunjin had announced to the press last weekend. This could be due to various reasons.
The company, facing a downfall in sales by 20% has majorly impacted it's economic growth. The Chairman had promised that the company will rise up strong after this, but the damage still prevails. Employees are quitting stating that their pay has been reduced. The dip in sales has affected the total company.
Insider information reveal that it may be due to the CEO'S involvement with the employees, whether one or many is not stated. The most probable guess would be his his long time secretary,
Ms. Hazel. Although this information isn't confirmed by any sources, many people do not believe this, supporting Mr. Hwang and his fame. They believe it may be due to other important reasons which may have been underscored to be taken action later but may have buried under the pressure of the board of directors.
This major brand flopping has taken other fashion brands by surprise. The Lavish Layers offered their partnership to the falling brand. Whether these two brands collaborate will be revealed shortly, as announced by Mr. Bahng, the CEO of The Lavish Layers."
Felix's eyes widens. Chan never told him about this. Maybe Chan did this to get a good name for his company? What's the use supporting a brand that's going down anyway?
And just as Felix is in deep thought, Chan calls him.
"Hello?" Felix answers.
"Felix, hey this is urgent. You might've seen the news, yeah?" Chan asks, breathless.
"Yeah, something about you doing a partnership with The Divine Drape or something. Are you even in your right mind?" Felix scolds the man.
"Probably not." Chan chuckles, shuffling through papers. "Actually, I called you based on that."
"What?" Felix asks, suspicious of the older.
"Uhm- Hyunjin has agreed to this partnership," Chan says and Felix tilts his head.
"The CEO of the other company?" Felix questions.
"Yeah. Apparently, his secretary is leaving too and he's in a dire need of one," Chan explains.
Felix's eye twitch. "So you expect me to be his secretary?" Felix asks, bored and unimpressed.
"...well- yeah," Chan stutters.
A uncomfortable silence.
Felix gapes. "Hey! I was joking! You are too, right?"
Silence.
"Right?" Felix growls.
"Felix please," Chan whines.
"No."
"You're the only one I know qualified for that job!" Chan says.
"That doesn't mean I should do it," Felix refuses.
"Hey, please. He's really in a tough situation. His secretary is leaving too. Along with his other employees. It's taking a toll on him. He's a really nice guy if you get to know him, too," Chan tries to convince.
"Why do you think I'm fit for the job?" Felix's brow quirks, not giving an answer.
"Well, you have done Organising studies and Fashion designing. He needs the same too. You are already famous. Maybe if you join as his secretary, people will start believing that nothing wrong is happening. You can sew the tear shut," Chan explains.
"Oh? Just because he needs some event planners and fashion designers he wants me to join? To do the job of both?" Felix shrieks.
"Well, that's why he's offering you triple the normal salary," Chan says.
A silence.
"Triple?"
"Yeah, for event planning, fashion designing and doing your job as a secretary," Chan comments.
"But I'm already loaded. He can get someone else to be his assistant, now bye," Felix says and as he goes to cut the call, Chan mutters.
"Hey, do this favour for me, yeah? Please, it's the only time I've asked for something," Chan whispers and Felix sighs.
"If you care about that Hyunjin guy so much, you be his assistant then!" Felix whines.
"Hey! I'm a CEO too!"
"So what?"
"Please, just do it for me. Pleeaaase?"
A deep breath. Then a sigh. Some noises of inaudible groaning.
"Fine-"
"You know I love you so much?" Chan makes kissing noises and Felix turns green.
"Ew! Don't do that!"
"What? Kissing? Did you forget that I fucked you darling?" Chan smirks.
"That was when I was working in your company. Now I am not. So shut it," Felix blushes.
"Mhm. Okay. I'll let Hyunjin know that you are okay being his secretary," Chan huffs.
"And yeah. They'll send an email today at 3 or 4. Check it and reply, yeah?" Chan says.
"Yeah yeah, fine. Now bye," Felix cuts the call.
_
By half past three in the noon, Felix receives an email from The Divine Drape. Felix sighs, clicking open the email.
Lee Felix,
Greetings. I hope this email reached you in peace. The CEO of The Divine Drape, Mr. Hwang Hyunjin, is in dire need of a secretary. Due to the partnership between The Divine Drape and The Lavish Layers, Mr. Bang recommended you for the job.
No interviews will be conducted. Mr. Bang already confirmed you were well qualified for the job, with two degrees. We will need your resume, ID photos and an address proof. You can start from the 21st of February. The pay will be triple.
Warm regards,
Mr. Seo, HR.
The Divine Drape.
For further information, contact this number: xxxxx-xxxxx
Email: [email protected]
Felix reluctantly sends a reply email, uploading his ID photos, his resume and his address proof with his work experience. As if anyone wouldn't know who he is.
And he re-reads the email. Finds out that he needs to start his new job the day after tomorrow. His freedom is slipping away from between his fingertips.
Felix whines. "I shouldn't have done this!"
"Chan, the next time I meet you, you're dead meat." And Felix makes sure to send the older the statement too. Let Chan know his fucking disappointment.
_
Felix enjoys the time he has left for himself. That same night, he dresses up in leather, a leather jacket, leather pants that cling to his ass and a mesh top.
His long hair is left down, parted to the side. His makeup isn't to strong to cover his freckles, but not too light either. His glossy lips, the rhinestones embedded near his eyes, the smoky eye makeup, everything make him look seductive.
He takes his black Bugatti La Voiture Noire to the club, Levanter, flashing with red lights. All of his friends had agreed to meet him there, and once Felix entered, he directly went to the bar and ordered a Piña Colada.
He sips his drink, weaves through the crowd and spots his friends chatting in a corner. He greets the throuple, chats with them for a while and finds a tall man with short blue hair staring at him. Slender, yet muscled.
Felix grins. Excuses himself and walks towards the taller. Just a whiff of the man's perfume made Felix tingle all over. They exchange pleasantries, and the man is very eager to take the blonde upstairs.
"You look great," Felix smirks.
"Not as you though," the man pulls Felix flush against his muscled body, the man's hard on digging into Felix's stomach.
"So, I don't have a cock between my legs," Felix whispers against the man's neck.
The stranger's gaze darkens. "Then I guess it's more interesting for me."
"Lead the way," Felix giggles when the man all but yanks him towards the stairs.
It's a long night for Felix.
_
After getting fucked two times in his ass and three times in his pussy, Felix is dripping when he gets home. He cleans himself up, and then collapses onto his bed, quickly dozing off.
In the morning, or rather, in the noon, Felix wakes up. All sore and disjointed as if he didn't have his insides rearranged just yesterday. Felix takes a long shower, cleaning himself and getting rid of the evidence of his activities last night.
He wears a butter yellow strappy frock and a white panties. He towel dries his blonde hair, rubbing incessantly until his hair is fluffy and clean.
Feeding Luna, he threatens Chan over call.
"Do I have to do this?" Felix whines.
"You promised me yesterday! Don't back out now," Chan pouts.
"The next time I meet you, you better buy a coffin," Felix says while Chan scoffs.
"As if you would kill me," Chan purses his lips.
"Wanna try?" Felix asks, his voice eerily calm.
"No thanks. I'll enjoy my life while I still have it," Chan grumbles.
Felix talks to Chan about everything; Chan informs Felix about his new workplace and work related stuff. By the time they cut the call, it's almost five in the evening.
Felix stretches, walking towards the ceiling to floor windows, overlooking the Han river. It's peaceful, the sun is setting and Felix wants to go for a walk.
He carries Luna with him, allowing her to wander away knowing that she'll always come back. He walks along the streets of Seoul, the sun setting casting orangish yellow hues all over the entire city.
Felix wanders, watching couples walk by, their hands interlaced, their smiles directed at each other, like nothing in the world matters. Felix smiles. He wishes he had this privilege too.
Being famous, everything you do goes viral. Felix had to disguise himself to go out everytime. He doesn't think that being famous is too much of a hassle, but he wants fans who respect his privacy. Nothing else.
He doesn't care about those comments which say he looks too feminine; like, literally he has a pussy and not a dick. Not that these people know. Some of them say he's too skinny. He's learned to ignore these comments and go on with his daily life.
Street vendors call out to him, asking if he's interested in buying anything. He declines politely, but once trudges forward when he sees a baby blue sweater with white embroidered flowers. He purchases it, along with a yellow coloured scarf.
He also buys keychains—the four clover leaf, a duckling and a wolf. And then squeals in joy when he finds a bunny plushie, and a fox plushie. And he buys them too.
At last, he sits in one of the benches, with all his shopping bags next to him and stretches on it like a lazy cat. He finds an ice cream parlor.
He asks for a cone with three scoops—the first being regular chocolate chip, the second, cookies and cream and the last, chocolate.
"Do I know you?" The vendor asks, smiling softly.
"Maybe," Felix vaguely replies.
The vendor nods, and then smiles. "You're beautiful. You're kind of angelic in this sunset," the vendor grins.
"Thanks," Felix blinks, startled, yet happy.
"When you do get someone you love, do bring them here. I wanna see the beautiful couple," the vendor mischievously grins.
Felix chuckles. "When I find one, that is."
"You will, everyone has that someone who loves them without reason," the vendor nods, then takes out his wallet and shows a picture of him and a woman.
"This is me and my wife. I met her when I was twelve and she was ten. We were kind of bestfriends? I always saw her as a sibling. And then fate works it's wicked ways and brought her to me. Can't say I'm complaining though. I love her with all my heart, I just don't know how I saw her as my sister," the vendor recalls and Felix giggles.
"Everyone becomes dumb when they're in love," Felix smiles.
"Mhm. Don't forget though. I'd love to see you again. I'll always be here in the evenings," the vendor nods.
"You'll be the first person to meet my man."
"I'll be waiting!"
_
Felix takes the elevator to the twelfth floor, finding Luna already waiting for him. He opens the door with his keycard, venturing inside with all his shopping bags.
He watches the moon for some time, a soft melody playing in the background as Luna lounges in his lap. He strokes her fluffy fur, her tail swishing around as he tries to comb it with his fingers.
They sit together for a while until Felix sighs and orders dinner. Felix finally raises from the chair, prepares his bag for tomorrow, the documents needed and everything else.
Tomorrow's gonna be a really long day.