Chapter Text
As he stood in front of the imposing limestone building, Felix's hands trembled, threatening to drop either one or both of his suitcases. Beside him, Chan had his mouth pressed in a grim line, bearing no luggage save the emotions festering in his heart. This was one journey Felix would have to take alone.
"It's not too late to turn back," Chan reminded him quietly.
Felix shook his head. After so many years together, he thought Chan knew him better than that. He hadn't given up when they met, and he wouldn't quit now. Paris was his new obsession, a dream that had always seemed out of reach. And now that it was in his grasp, who was he to squander the opportunity?
He tightened his grip, newly resolved. "I'm heading inside now."
Chan nodded, the need for words disappearing with every passing heartbeat. Tears threatened to well in his eyes, but he wiped them away before Felix could notice. "Take care of yourself, alright?"
"I will. I promise." Felix hugged his leader fiercely.
He knew that hug marked the end of Stray Kids. And although he had his doubts, he prayed it was for the better.
Felix turned away. Chan let his tears fall.
***
He padded silently on the tiled floor, noting how the small wooden table lay next to the tiny kitchen, which was separated from the richly furnished living room by one wall. His bedroom had a queen-sized, white bed with decorative floral patterns. He flopped onto it with a happy sign, feeling optimistic about the future for the first time since he arrived.
A slight drizzle started, so Felix grabbed his umbrella on his way out the door. The renter assured him that the apartment was situated close to convenience stores and other necessities, but he wanted to see for himself. The sun was covered in clouds and wind whistled through the streets, but the long-sleeved shirt he wore protected him from the worst of the chill. He felt like he was in a movie, although he wondered how much of that had to do with the city itself.
He had been here before, but the splendor of it never ceased to amaze him—it was like any other city in that it was grimy, but the rich architecture and historical buildings were a fount of inspiration for him. Delicious smells floated from bistros situated on either side of the street, and Felix's stomach gave a loud, harsh rumble. He realized he hadn't eaten anything since the plane.
Before he could eat, however, he had other things to wait for. He exchanged his Korean won for euros at a local ATM and took note of every convenience store within walking distance. Of course, he wasn't just going to live in Paris—he was going to study there, at the most prestigious fashion school it offered. Fortunately, he wouldn't have to room with the rest of the first-years, since he was older than most of them. Nervousness began to pool in his gut at the thought of the main building, the one that he and Chan had visited earlier. It was all so much. So much, way too fast.
Another hunger pang pierced his stomach. Okay, I really need to eat. He hurried into the closest bistro and smiled genially at the woman behind the counter.
She gave him a deadpan stare.
"Ah, bonjour..." He started to sweat. "Puis-je avoir un sandwich?"
"Quel type de sandwich?" She instantly grabbed a loaf of bread and cleaved it in two with one expert swipe of her knife.
"Um...Caprese, please." Felix decided it would be better to take his chances with English than keep spewing out broken French. The woman meticulously spread pesto and melted cheese on the bread, topping it all with sliced baby tomatoes. His mouth watered just looking at it.
"Excusez-moi, j'ai d'autres clients." The woman made a shooing motion with one hand, and Felix, embarrassed, retreated to a corner of the shop. At that moment, three women walked in, chatting in excited French to each other. Although the first two were young and pretty, dressed in the latest fashion and sporting skillful makeup, it was the third who caught his attention.
She was probably the most attractive woman Felix had ever seen in his life. For a few moments he stood there, jaw completely slack. He had worked with quite possibly the most lauded beauties in the world, men and women alike. Models, actors, and other K-pop stars were following him on Instagram, for Heaven's sake. Perhaps it was his newfound sense of freedom, but this girl trumped all of them. It was a shame he'd probably never see her again.
Her clothes also shocked him—unlike her two companions, she wore a light gray three-piece suit. Confidence exuded from the choice, along with the way she walked and the expression on her face. She fucking knew she was attractive.
As her friends ordered their food, she glanced around the room, and her gaze landed on Felix's.
He instinctively flinched, although he didn't know why.
As she did a double take, recognition flared in her eyes. He held his breath, both praying she wouldn't come over to him and hoping she wouldn't heed his prayers. However, a scornful expression crossed her face, and she turned away.
...huh?
So she knew who he was... and didn't like him? That was...unexpected. And foolish! He was a nice person! All the sources said so!
Maybe she doesn't like my music.
The lady shouted "Caprese!" in such an annoyed tone that you'd think she'd been calling him for hours. Felix stalked over and grabbed the paper bag, slapping a crumpled Euro on the counter. He left before he could receive his change.
Well, it doesn't matter. I won't see her again. But why would you dislike someone you know NOTHING about?!
His mood dampened, Felix stormed angrily through the rapidly forming puddles on the sidewalk. As a result, his very expensive shoes got wet.
"Shit!" he yelled.
That earned him a few odd looks from the passersby. As if his first day in Paris couldn't get anything better.
***
First day of fashion school, and Felix didn't know what to wear.
He had plenty of articles of clothing that could be considered "high fashion"---but would that make him seem cultured or narcissistic? After his encounter with the girl yesterday, he had begun to realize how his fame and reputation could be a hindrance. He wasn't up for making any more enemies.
He decided on a nice white shirt and slacks. Elegant, but not flashy. He grinned at himself in the mirror before dashing off to the metro station.
There were no available seats when he boarded. That left him clinging desperately to the handrails as he started his journey through Paris. On his way, some women came up to him and asked for his autograph. That greatly increased his confidence and left his chest puffed all the way to the main school building.
"Student ID?" The guard at the entrance seemed bored.
"Uh, yeah, here—" Felix fumbled in his pockets for his ID. As he showed it to the guard, another student sat up beside him and gave him a hesitant smile.
"Are you Felix?" he asked, his voice heavily accented.
"Uh...yes, I am." Felix put his ID back in his pocket when the guard nodded, telling him he was free to go. "Who's asking?"
"I am Raoul Renoux." The man shook his hand. He stood about one hundred and eighty centimeters high, and sported an excessively cultivated mustache. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I saw you at the Louis Vuitton Winter Show."
"Oh, really?" Felix brimmed with pleasure at the thought of that show. "How did you get an invitation?"
"I didn't." Renoux laughed. "But it is my dream to create women's fashion. What about you? What branch of fashion are you interested in designing?"
"I'm not actually sure yet." Felix had thought about this, and both men and women's designs called to him. "I'll have to think about it more. For now, whichever one's easiest to sew."
The two students navigated their way through the building, both looking for their first class. Felix was astounded by the eccentricity of the student body—he clearly hadn't needed to worry about what to wear. Everyone was truly wearing everything. Self-expression abounded wherever he looked.
"It seems our classes are right next to each other," Renoux remarked good-humoredly. "You have Professor Sabatier for Fashion History? I heard he was tough."
"He speaks English." Felix shrugged, as if to say, what can you do? "The school said he'd be able to help me if I needed it."
"Bonne chance." Renoux kissed both of Felix's cheeks. "I will see you after class, yes?"
"Yes." Felix waved at his new friend before walking into his classroom. As he chose his seat and waited for the professor to arrive, he took a moment to appraise the haphazard scattering of designs on the walls. For a history class, there was an awful lot of creativity.
"Ah." A snarky voice behind him forced him to swivel around. "I didn't actually expect to see you here, Stray Kids' Felix. Perhaps you can sing for us?"
A familiar suit took up most of his vision, and he looked up, up, up... to see the same girl from yesterday.
Well, that's just great.