Chapter Text
Being the centre of attention had long since become a part of Hyunjin’s routine. It was always like this, students surrounding him; some trying to get his attention, some trying to make a move, some just wanting to talk about anything (he supposed).
Students whirled around him like bees around their hive.
“Sunbae, can you come to the party with me on Friday?”
“Sunbae, you look really good today.”
“Hyung, what’s your type?”
Hyunjin politely declines (he does every time). But that doesn’t stop anyone from asking him out in all the ways known to mankind.
Today, Hyunjin was standing in the hallway near the Performing Arts building, waiting for someone, when everyone saw their chance to approach him. It would be a lie if Hyunjin said he wasn’t tired of this happening almost every day.
He doesn’t know how everyone approaches him with this much confidence. They don’t even know him properly except for his name and the fact that he’s one of the top students.
Sometimes he wonders if that’s all he is to them. A name on the notice board or a rank on a sheet of paper or a face they’ve memorized from assemblies and award ceremonies and apparently, that he’s handsome. That part follows him everywhere with the lingering stares and the way people nudge each other before coming up to talk to him.
As if good grades and a pretty face are enough to explain a person.
Hyunjin was just thinking of an excuse to leave, anything that would let him step away without making it obvious that the crowd was starting to suffocate him, when all of a sudden he heard the sound of an angel.
His angel, to be exact.
“Jin!”
Hyunjin looked towards the voice.
And there he was, Felix, walking out from the Performing Arts building. The afternoon sunlight fell across his brown hair, softening the dark strands with a warm glow. A wide, bright grin spread across his face, making the sun-kissed marks on his face glow softly in the sunlight, as he spotted Hyunjin.
And Hyunjin didn’t wait.
He quickly moved away from the crowd, walking straight towards Felix. He walked up to him and wrapped his arms around his waist, burying his face in the crook of his boyfriend’s neck. He was so tired from everything and just wanted a moment of comfort before he starts the rest of the day.
“Rough day?” Felix asked, massaging his fingers through Hyunjin’s short dark strands.
Hyunjin hummed softly in response.
“What happened?” Felix asked gently, a small laugh in his voice as he continued, “What’s got you so grumpy?”
Hyunjin stayed silent for a moment before mumbling, “I haven’t seen you since this morning. My battery was really low.”
Felix let out a soft laugh at that, tightening his hold slightly. “So that’s the problem, huh?”
Hyunjin hummed softly in agreement.
“Let’s go have some coffee and recharge you,” Felix said gently.
They slowly let go of the hug, though Hyunjin stayed close for a moment longer, as if not fully ready to step away from the warmth just yet.
Felix joined their hands and glanced at the crowd, completely unimpressed by the number of students surrounding Hyunjin. Then he puffed his cheeks slightly and said, “Okay, that’s enough. He’s mine.”
Before anyone could react, Felix tightened his grip on Hyunjin’s hand and added, “I’m taking him.”
And just like that, he tugged Hyunjin away, and they started walking toward the nearby café.
They got their drinks, and started their way back towards their dorms.
“Are you recharged now?” Felix asked, sipping on his strawberry milkshake.
“Yep! Now that my sunshine is here with me,” Hyunjin replied.
Felix grinned, blush spreading across his cheeks.
All the way, Felix kept talking about his day, gently swinging their joined hands as he moved. Hyunjin kept listening, humming softly from time to time to show he was paying attention, a soft smile resting on his lips.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
Felix and Hyunjin met on an ordinary, slightly inconvenient day.
Hyunjin had always been quiet and reserved, the kind of person who preferred observing rather than speaking, who kept his thoughts to himself unless necessary. He was responsible to a fault, especially when it came to academics. Perhaps that was the downside of being one of the top students; teachers relied on him more than they should have.
That day, one of his professors informed him she was busy and couldn’t take her class, asking him to take attendance and supervise the Theatre department students instead.
Hyunjin had already been in a less-than-pleasant mood. He had skipped breakfast to finish an assignment and had barely slept the night before. Being handed an unexpected responsibility did not help.
He was halfway through calling out names when the classroom door slid open.
Felix stood there, slightly out of breath.
“May I come in?” he asked.
Hyunjin looked up, already annoyed at the interruption.
And his irritation resurfaced.
"You’re late,” Hyunjin said, his voice firmer than usual. “Class started ten minutes ago. This isn’t a stage entrance.”
“I know. I’m really sorry,” Felix replied quickly, lowering his gaze, “The first bus didn’t stop, and the next one got delayed. I tried to get here as fast as I could.”
“Next time, manage your time better,” Hyunjin interrupted, sharper than he intended. “Take your seat.”
A few students exchanged glances.
Felix nodded, murmuring another soft “Sorry,” before slipping into an empty chair.
Hyunjin returned to the attendance sheet. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the boy sitting unusually still, shoulders slightly tense.
He realised maybe he had been too harsh.
Maybe he hadn’t needed to sound that stern. Maybe he hadn’t needed to say it in front of everyone. He guessed he needed to apologise.
After sharing the incident with his friends; who were obviously not very pleased with how he had handled it; and asking for advice on how to apologize, Hyunjin realized he really should approach the boy.
That was how he found himself standing near the cafeteria, hesitating for a second longer than necessary.
Felix was quietly stirring his drink, seemingly lost in thought.
Hyunjin walked towards him and cleared his throat. “Is this seat taken?”
Felix looked up, startled for a brief moment before quickly shaking his head. “No. It’s not.”
Hyunjin nodded once and sat down across him.
There was a short, awkward silence.
Finally, “I’m Hyunjin,” he said, even though he was sure Felix already knew. “From yesterday's morning. The attendance.”
“I know,” Felix replied softly. “I mean, yes. I remember.”
Hyunjin winced slightly at how stiff he sounded next. “About that… I might have been unnecessarily strict.”
Felix blinked, clearly caught off guard. “You were just doing your job.”
“That doesn’t mean I had to sound irritated,” Hyunjin said quietly.
Another pause followed, less tense this time.
Felix gave a small nod. “It’s okay. I was late.”
Hyunjin wasn’t sure why that simple response made him feel both relieved and slightly more guilty at the same time.
For a brief moment, silence lingered between them.
Then, unexpectedly, Felix spoke again.
“Actually, the bus thing was kind of chaotic,” he added, the words coming brighter now. “The driver skipped the stop, and I had to get off at the next one and run back. I thought I was going to trip in front of everyone."
He let out a small laugh, “It would’ve been worse if I’d made a dramatic entrance and then fallen flat on my face.”
And then Felix started talking, his hands moving slightly as he explained, expressions more animated now. The tension from earlier had melted away completely. It was like they had been friends for years.
Hyunjin blinked, momentarily surprised by the change. He hadn’t expected this. But he didn’t interrupt. He simply listened.
Soon he found himself watching Felix more instead of properly listening.
There was something unfair about how beautiful he looked up close. The cafeteria lights softened the edges of his features, and the faint marks scattered across his cheeks became more noticeable whenever he smiled. His brown hair fell naturally over his forehead, shifting every time he tilted his head or laughed at his own story.
Hyunjin quickly looked down, pretending to focus on table. He told himself he was only observing out of politeness. But deep down, he knew he had never paid this much attention to anyone before.
And before he realized it, there was a small smile resting on his face; subtle, but genuine.
And that was how they ended up glued to each other almost everyday.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
It was a random Wednesday. Hyunjin was painting in one of the secluded rooms in the Fine Arts building. It was a project for his semester paper, and he had been working on it constantly. He had a deadline on Friday. He had missed lunch with his friends. He had also missed his plans with Felix, unable to accompany him on their walk home or spend time with him.
And Felix had been nothing but understanding.
But Hyunjin missed it too.
He had been concentrating when he heard footsteps; soft, almost sneaky ones; and he found himself smiling without realizing it.
He knew who it was.
A second later, the owner of those footsteps made himself known by dropping onto Hyunjin's lap, wrapping his legs around hyunjin waist and leaning into him without warning. He slid his arms around Hyunjin’s neck and buried his face in the crook of it, clinging as if he had every right to be there.( He did).
Hyunjin let out a quiet laugh at that.
After a few seconds, Felix pulled his head away from Hyunjin’s neck, a prominent pout settling on his face.
“Why aren’t you holding me back?” he asked.
“I’ll get paint on your clothes, baby.” Hyunjin replied softly, his gaze drifting to the exaggerated pout on Felix’s lips. The urge to lean in and kiss it away was almost distracting. It was unfair, really; how Felix could look that adorable over something so small.
Felix whined and buried his face against him again, mumbling, “Don’t care.”
Hyunjin laughed quietly at that before carefully setting his brush aside. He reached for the jug kept nearby and washed the paint off his hands. After drying them on his own shirt, he wrapped his arms around Felix properly this time, pulling him close.
"Why’s my baby grumpy today?” Hyunjin asked, brushing a thumb lightly against Felix’s side.
Felix let out a small sigh. “I’m just tired,” he muttered. “Rehearsal was soooooo exhausting.”
“Do you want to go home?” Hyunjin asked gently. They had decided earlier that they would walk back together today.
Felix shook his head. “No. I’ll stay.”
“I still have some work to finish,” Hyunjin said, glancing at the half-done canvas. “It might take a while, love.”
“I’ll wait,” Felix replied immediately.
“You don’t have to,” Hyunjin insisted. “You can go back and rest properly.”
Felix looked up at him then, giving him his best teary eyes and an exaggerated pout. “I said I’ll wait.”
Hyunjin sighed, already losing the battle. “Aah! Don't do that, baby.”
Felix smiled faintly, clearly pleased with himself.
“At least lie down somewhere more comfortable,” Hyunjin suggested. “There’s a couch at the back.”
"It’s comfy here,” Felix mumbled, burying his face again, tightening his hold slightly.
Hyunjin shook his head but adjusted his position anyway, wrapping one arm securely around Felix’s waist while continuing to paint with the other.
Eventually, after some time, Felix’s breathing slowed. His head rested against Hyunjin’s shoulder, mouth slightly open in sleep, a faint pout still lingering on his lips.
Hyunjin glanced down at him and smiled to himself, careful not to move too much.
He supposed he didn’t mind finishing his work like this.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
When Hyunjin and Felix started dating, they didn’t bother trying to hide it. They were seen everywhere together, clinging to each other, Hyunjin wrapped around Felix like a blanket, always leaning close as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Their friend groups slowly merged into one. It wasn’t exactly surprising. Minho and Jisung had been dating long before them, so everyone had already been orbiting the same spaces anyway. Still, it meant that wherever one of them was, the other was never too far away.
And then there were the talks.
Whispers about how Felix had managed to “pull” Hyunjin. How he got so lucky to catch Hyunjin’s attention when others had tried so hard and never even got close. People who had spent months working up the courage to speak to him, only to get nothing more than a polite nod. Yet Felix had somehow done it in the blink of an eye.
To most people, Felix didn’t seem like someone who would match Hyunjin at all. In their eyes, Hyunjin was one of the brilliant top students; artistic, quiet, a little distant, the kind of person who existed a few steps away from everyone else. Someone they imagined would suit a calm, elegant, equally composed partner.
Felix, on the other hand, was different. It wasn’t like he was bad at studies, he wasn’t average by any means, but he was bright in every sense of the word. He was playful, affectionate, someone with endless energy. The type who talked a lot and got excited over the smallest things.
To them, Felix simply seemed too much to fit beside someone like Hyunjin.
Felix didn’t mind the whispers. If anything, he knew what they really were; jealousy, thinly disguised as curiosity.
Because the Hyunjin Felix knew wasn’t the distant, untouchable person everyone imagined.
To Felix, Hyunjin was dramatic in the most endearing way. Soft where no one expected him to be, affectionate without holding back, a little silly when he let his guard down. The kind of person who loved deeply and openly once he allowed himself to.
And somehow, Felix had become lucky enough to be the one who got to see that side of him.
When Felix first learned that this was Hyunjin’s first real relationship, he had been surprised. Hyunjin had gone on dates before, but none of them had ever turned into anything meaningful. He had assumed that meant Hyunjin would be awkward with affection. That he’d be shy about expressing his feelings, maybe even a little unsure about how to love.
But he had been completely wrong.
Hyunjin was openly affectionate. He would bring flowers for Felix just because he felt like it, or reminded him of Felix, which he would say. He waited outside Felix’s dorm so they could walk to college together. Other days, he would gently pull Felix closer before class and press a quick good-morning kiss to his cheek. He liked holding Felix’s hand whenever he could, pulled him closer without hesitation, looked at him like Felix was something precious, and he always found small excuses to stay close.
Felix sometimes wondered that maybe Hyunjin had always been this romantic, but had simply kept that side of himself hidden away until now.
And every day, Felix found himself falling a little more in love with him.
Around three months to their relationship, it was another ordinary day. Felix was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook because he was bored. He was sitting in the theatre hall after class before lunch break started, his notebook resting on his lap as he sketched random shapes across the page.
His mind wandered while he drew. He wondered what they would have for lunch today, and whether Jisung would start pestering him again about the new episode of the anime they had been watching. Jisung had been impatient all week because Felix kept forgetting to watch it.
Felix was barely paying attention to anything around him when he suddenly heard voices from the other side of the hall.
A group of girls were talking loudly, well loud enough for him to hear.
"I seriously don’t understand how Hyunjin ended up with Felix,” one of them said.
“Same. Out of everyone, he chose Felix?” another replied.
Someone laughed softly. “They look so mismatched. It doesn’t even make sense.”
Felix tried to ignore them at first, focusing on the page in front of him, but the words kept coming.
“Honestly, Hyunjin could date anyone he wants. Why him?”
"Maybe Hyunjin just got bored and picked the first person who showed interest.”
That was enough.
Felix closed his notebook and stood up before walking over to them.
“If you’re going to talk about me,” he said calmly, “you could at least say it properly instead of whispering from across the room.”
The girls looked startled for a second before one of them shrugged.
“Oh, so you did hear us.”
“Well, it’s not like you were being subtle,” Felix replied.
Another girl scoffed. “We were just saying the truth. You and Hyunjin don’t really match.”
Felix crossed his arms. “Funny. Hyunjin doesn’t seem to think so.”
One of them scoffed. “Maybe he just hasn’t realized it yet or maybe he had and he just feels bad to tell you.”
He just hasn’t realized it yet.
The words stung more than Felix wanted to admit, but he kept his expression steady.
"Then I guess he’s doing a pretty good job pretending,” Felix said lightly. “Because he seems very happy with me."
They fell silent for a moment.
"And if you’re that curious,” Felix added, “you could just ask Hyunjin yourself.”
That finally made them quiet.
Before any of them could respond, the bell rang loudly through the hall. Felix didn’t wait for them to say anything else. He turned around, picked up his bag, and left to meet his friends for lunch.
He had stood his ground but the words still lingered in his mind. He couldn’t help but feel a small ache in his chest.
Felix walked to the cafeteria and found his friends already at their usual table waiting for him. Jeongin immediately spotted him and started waving.
“Lix hyung! Over here! Hurry up,” he called.
Felix walked over and took a seat beside Hyunjin. Hyunjin had already brought his lunch and placed it neatly on the table.
“Jisung hyung was just talking about yesterday’s episode,” Jeongin said with a grin. “Since you didn’t watch it yet, you’re about to get the full update.”
Felix gave a small smile and nodded.
Jisung and Jeongin quickly started talking about the episode, arguing over scenes and characters like they always did. Normally Felix would join them, but today he barely listened.
His mind kept drifting back to the girls in the theatre hall. Their words replayed in his head, making him wonder if maybe they were right, at least to some extent.
Hyunjin just hasn’t realized it yet.
"Lix?”
Felix blinked.
Hyunjin was looking at him with a small frown.
“Hey,” Hyunjin said softly, nudging his arm a little. “Where did my baby disappear to?”
Felix realized he hadn’t even touched his food. Hyunjin glanced down at the untouched lunch and then back at him, concern clear in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly. “You’re not eating.”
Felix shook his head lightly. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
Before Hyunjin could question him further, Felix leaned his head against Hyunjin’s shoulder and closed his eyes for a moment, wanting to feel closer to him.
Hyunjin immediately softened. He gently ran his fingers through Felix’s brown hair, brushing the strands away from his face.
“Sunshine,” he murmured, still worried. “Something happened.”
Felix stayed quiet for a second before speaking softly.
"Later,” he said.
Hyunjin looked at him carefully, clearly wanting to ask more, but after a moment he sighed and nodded.
“Okay,” he said. “Later.”
Then his expression shifted slightly as he looked down at the lunch again.
"But you still need to eat."
Felix didn’t move.
Hyunjin poked the lunch plate towards him.
“Baby.”
Still nothing.
Hyunjin huffed quietly. “Lix, come on. Eat.”
Felix only hummed tiredly against his shoulder.
Hyunjin stared at him for a moment before picking up the spoon.
“Fine,” he muttered.
Felix opened his eyes slightly.
Hyunjin was holding the spoon in front of him expectantly.
Felix looked at it, then at Hyunjin, before slowly opening his mouth. Hyunjin’s expression softened immediately, a fond smile spreading across his face as he fed him the bite.
“That’s better,” he said quietly, already preparing the next one.
Seungmin watched the scene for a moment before raising an eyebrow.
“Do you two have to do that in the middle of the cafeteria?” he said dryly.
Hyunjin glanced at him with an unimpressed look. “Do what?”
Seungmin gestured toward the spoon in Hyunjin’s hand. “Feed him like he's a baby.”
Hyunjin shrugged calmly. “He is though. Jealous?”
Seungmin scoffed. “Not even a little.”
Felix couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on his face as they went back and forth.
Jisung immediately leaned forward. “Hey, don’t act like you’re any better. Chan hyung literally feeds you too.”
“That happened once,” Seungmin said flatly.
“Twice,” Jisung corrected.
Jeongin grinned. “I remember. You didn’t even complain then.”
Changbin snorted. “Yeah, but when Hyunjin does it, suddenly it’s a problem.”
Seungmin rolled his eyes while the table filled with laughter and more banter.
Across from them, Felix simply watched the group with a fond smile, shaking his head slightly as the noise around the table grew louder.
Hyunjin and Felix walked back home together like they usually did, their hands loosely intertwined. The late afternoon was quiet, but Hyunjin kept glancing at Felix from time to time. Felix had been quieter than usual the entire day, and Hyunjin could tell that whatever happened was still bothering him.
After a while, Hyunjin finally spoke.
“Lix,” he said gently. “What happened today?”
Felix didn’t answer right away. He kept walking, staring at the ground in front of him. The silence stretched for a few seconds before he spoke softly.
“Jin… do you really like me?”
Hyunjin stopped walking immediately.
“What?” he asked, clearly shocked.
He turned Felix around gently and cupped his face with both hands, making him look up.
“Why would you ask that?” Hyunjin said, his voice filled with concern. Felix’s gaze dropped again, and he stayed quiet.Hyunjin frowned slightly.
“Lix… do you not trust me?”
Felix shook his head quickly. “No. I do trust you.”
“Then where is this coming from?” Hyunjin asked.
Felix hesitated before answering quietly, “Students talk about it.”
Hyunjin blinked in confusion. “You’re usually the last person to care about what people say,” he said. “Why does it matter now?”
Felix swallowed before slowly explaining what had happened in the theatre hall earlier; the girls talking loudly about him, about how he and Hyunjin didn’t match, how Hyunjin might have just taken pity on him. His voice stayed soft and almost innocent as he spoke, but his eyes slowly began to fill with tears.
“And they said… they said maybe you just felt bad for me,” Felix paused before continuing, his eyes starting to fill with tears. "That maybe you just got bored and picked the first person who liked you.”
Hyunjin didn’t say anything at first. He simply pulled Felix into his arms and hugged him tightly, resting Felix’s head against his shoulder. Felix clutched the back of Hyunjin’s shirt and wrapped his arms tightly around his waist, finally letting himself cry.
“I know I usually don’t care,” Felix said between quiet sobs. “I’ve heard people say things before… but today it just… it really got to me.”
Hyunjin held him close, one hand gently stroking the back of Felix’s head. “Hey, hey… it’s okay,” he murmured softly. “It’s okay, baby.”
Felix buried his face into Hyunjin’s shoulder, still crying as Hyunjin continued to hold. He didn’t let go of Felix. He kept one hand on the back of Felix’s head, gently stroking his hair as he spoke softly.
“Lix, listen to me,” he murmured. “You mean so much to me. More than you even realize. I’m not with you because I felt bad or because I was bored. I’m with you because I want to be.” Felix stayed quiet at first, still holding onto Hyunjin, but Hyunjin continued in the same calm voice.
“You’re bright, you’re warm, and you make every day better just by being there. How could I ever get tired of that?”
Slowly, Felix’s grip on his shirt loosened, and the tension in his shoulders faded a little. He sniffed softly and nodded against Hyunjin’s shoulder. Hyunjin gently pulled back and wiped the remaining tears from Felix’s cheeks with his thumbs.
“There,” he said softly. “My sunshine shouldn’t be crying over something like that.”
Felix let out a small embarrassed laugh.
Then Hyunjin tilted his head slightly and said with a faint teasing smile, “Although… you do look cute when you’re sulking.”
Felix blinked at him. “What?”
Hyunjin’s smile grew. “All pouty and quiet. It’s kind of adorable.”
Felix stared at him in disbelief before lightly hitting his arm. “Jin!”
Hyunjin laughed softly.
“I was literally crying!”
“I know,” Hyunjin said, clearly amused.
Felix huffed, but a smile had already formed on his face.
Hyunjin only looked at him fondly before leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to Felix’s lips.
When he pulled back, Felix was already grinning, a deep blush already spreading across his cheeks.
The next day, Felix was sitting in the theatre hall during his free period, quietly doodling in his notebook again. The classroom was calm, filled with low conversations. He was focused on shading a small sketch when suddenly someone leaned down beside him.
Felix barely had time to react before a soft kiss landed on his cheek.
He looked up in surprise.
“Jin?”
Hyunjin smiled softly at him and then straightened up slowly; Felix immediately noticed something different about him. His expression was calm, but there was a strange intensity around him that made the room feel tense.
Hyunjin looked around the classroom.
“Who was the one arguing with my boyfriend yesterday?” he asked evenly.
The entire room went quiet.
Felix’s eyes widened. “Jin-”
But before he could say anything, one of the girls from yesterday spoke up.
“We were just telling the truth,” she said, crossing her arms. “You should probably consider other options.”
Felix felt his stomach drop.
But Hyunjin didn’t look the least bit amused.
Instead, “And what exactly do you know about me,” Hyunjin said slowly, “or about my boyfriend, to talk like that?”
The girls glanced at each other, clearly uncomfortable under his stare.
“We just said what everyone thinks,” one of them muttered. “You two don’t really match.”
Felix could feel everyone watching.
Hyunjin stepped a little closer.
“You don’t get to decide that,” he said calmly, though the sharp edge in his voice made several students shrink back.
Another girl scoffed nervously. “Please. If Felix hadn’t confessed first, you probably wouldn’t have even considered him.”
Hyunjin let out a short laugh, “You seem very confident for someone who knows nothing about us.”
Felix felt his chest tighten as Hyunjin continued.
“Felix is kind, talented, and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. He’s brighter than most people in this room.”
Felix blinked, his cheeks warming.
“And if you’re wondering,” Hyunjin added firmly, “I didn’t choose him because I ran out of options. I chose him because he’s the one I wanted.”
The girls fell silent.
“And one more thing,” Hyunjin said, his gaze sweeping across the room. “If any of you have a problem with Felix, keep it to yourselves. Don’t mess with him.”
The classroom stayed completely quiet.
Felix sat there, stunned.
His heart felt strangely light as he watched Hyunjin defend him without hesitation. And somehow, he felt like he had fallen even more in love with him.
Hyunjin finally turned toward Felix, picked up his bag, and held out his hand.
“Come on, Baby.”
Felix stood quickly and followed him toward the door.
Just before leaving, Hyunjin paused and glanced back at the class.
“Oh,” he said casually. “And whoever said Felix made the first move?”
He smiled slightly.
“I confessed first.”
A wave of shocked murmurs spread across the room.
Felix’s face burned red as Hyunjin gently pulled him out into the hallway.
They walked quietly for a moment, Felix still processing everything that had just happened. Then, before he could overthink it, the words slipped out.
“Jin.”
Hyunjin looked down at him. “Hm?”
“I love you.”
Felix blinked in surprise at his own words, clearly not expecting to say them out loud.
Hyunjin’s face immediately lit up with a wide grin. He leaned over and kissed Felix’s cheek.
“I love you too, Love.”
Felix couldn’t stop the bright smile spreading across his face .
And as they continued walking down the hallway, his hand still tightly holding Hyunjin’s; his cheeks were still flushed pink, while Hyunjin looked at him with a fond, equally bright smile.
And that had been more than a year ago. Now things had changed, but in the soft, comfortable way that good and strong relationships usually did. Now nobody dares to talk bad about their relationship, atleast not before them or their friends. Now Felix openly declared that Hyunjin was his, and Hyunjin had never agreed anything more in his life.
Almost a year and a half of dating, almost a year and more of loving each other openly, and almost a year and more of growing closer every day, Felix still found himself falling a little more in love with Hyunjin everyday.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
Hyunjin had always known Felix could be possessive, but he didn’t realize it also applied to his friends.
It was a quiet evening in Hyunjin and Changbin’s dorm. All of their friends were gathered in the living room, enjoying their free time since they had classes off the next day. Jeongin, Seungmin, and Felix were playing games on the TV, while Jisung was talking with Changbin about something random. Meanwhile, Minho was in the kitchen cooking dinner for everyone.
Chan had asked Hyunjin to help him with an assignment that was related to Hyunjin’s department, making it easier for Hyunjin to assist him.
They were working together when Chan asked, “Does this part look right?”
Hyunjin nodded. “Yeah, you just need to adjust that section a little.”
All of a sudden, Felix appeared beside their table and pointed an accusing finger at Chan.
“You’re flirting with my boyfriend with knowledge, aren’t you?”, he said dramatically with a pout.
Chan chokes, but Hyunjin only sighed, clearly used to Felix’s behavior.
“We’re just studying, Lix,” Hyunjin said calmly, answering for both of them while still looking at the assignment.
Then, without warning, Felix squeezed himself between them and settled on Hyunjin’s lap.
“Explain to me too,” Felix said. “You’re ignoring me.”
Hyunjin didn’t react strongly. He simply adjusted Felix slightly so he wouldn’t slip off.
“Your back will hurt again if you sit like that,” Hyunjin said softly.
Felix immediately softened, leaning more comfortably against him, clearly melting a little at the concern in his voice.
Chan and Hyunjin continued working on their assignment while the others stayed noisy in the living room. Felix, who had been sitting comfortably on Hyunjin’s lap earlier, slowly got quieter as time passed. Hyunjin didn’t notice it.
It was only when they finished studying and started packing up their books that he realized Felix had gone completely silent.
He looked down.
Felix was fast asleep, still slightly slumped against him, his mouth open a little in a soft pout like he had gotten bored while waiting for them to finish. His head rested loosely, tilted awkwardly, against Hyunjin’s shoulder, breathing slow and steady.
Hyunjin smiled softly.
He gently reached over and brushed a strand of hair away from Felix’s face before calling out softly, “Minho hyung, is dinner ready?”
“Not yet,” Minho called back from the kitchen. “Give it some time.”
Chan stood up. “I’ll go help him,” he said before walking toward the kitchen.
Hyunjin looked back at Felix, thinking for a moment. It would be better to let him sleep properly on a bed until dinner was ready.
Carefully, he slipped one arm under Felix’s knees and the other behind his back, lifting him up in a gentle bridal-style carry. Felix barely stirred, only shifting slightly and mumbling something unintelligible before settling back into sleep.
Hyunjin walked to his room and slowly placed Felix down on the bed, being careful not to wake him. , and tucked him under the soft blanket.
Felix looked even softer under the dim room light.
Hyunjin sat beside him for a moment, just watching. Felix’s face was relaxed in sleep, lips slightly parted, looking completely peaceful. Hyunjin smiled softly, brushing his thumb lightly across Felix’s cheek.
He’s so beautiful.
Felix was warm, kind, and so unexpectedly precious to him. Hyunjin felt lucky every single day that Felix had chosen to stay in his life.
How did I get this lucky?
Hyunjin decided to lie down beside him. He carefully slid under the blanket, wrapping his arms around Felix’s waist and pulling him close. Felix instinctively shifted, burying his face into Hyunjin’s chest, breathing slowly and evenly.
Hyunjin rested his chin lightly on top of Felix’s head, holding him securely and comfortably.
It didn’t take long before Hyunjin himself felt his eyes growing heavy. Surrounded by warmth and the quiet comfort of Felix in his arms, he eventually drifted off to sleep as well.
Minho gently knocked on the door and peeked inside.
“Hyunjin,” he called softly. “Dinner is ready. Wake Felix up too.”
Hyunjin stirred slightly and nodded. “Okay.”
Minho left, closing the door quietly behind him.
Hyunjin took a moment to gather his surroundings before looking down at Felix, who was still fast asleep, completely wrapped in the blanket and looking extremely comfortable.
Hyunjin smiled softly.
“Lix,” he called gently. “Wake up, sunshine. Dinner is ready.”
Felix only shifted slightly, mumbling something unintelligible.
Hyunjin chuckled. “Baby, you need to wake up.”
“No…” Felix mumbled, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "Don't wanna.."
Hyunjin leaned closer. “Lixie, come on. You were starving earlier.”
Felix peeked one eye open. “Five more minutes…”
Hyunjin shook his head fondly. “If you wake up now, I’ll carry you to the dining table.”
Felix opened his eyes. “Okay, I’m awake.”
Hyunjin laughed softly as Felix slowly sat up, still half-asleep and rubbing his eyes. He carried Felix to the dining area together.
At the table, Jisung immediately grinned. “Why are you two always attached to the hip?”
Felix rolled his eyes. “So what? You’re just jealous.”
Jisung scoffed. “Of what? You being carried around like a sleepy cat?”
“At least someone wants to carry me.”
Jisung scoffed. “I’m honestly surprised you’re sitting on a chair and not just straddling him right here at the table.”
Felix smirked. “I get it. It’s hard watching someone get worshipped while you’re sitting there with just your food for company.”
Jisung gasped dramatically. “Rude.”
The others immediately reacted with exaggerated disgust.
“Ew!” Jeongin groaned, covering his face. “I did not need that mental image.”
Chan made a dramatic gagging sound. “Please, I just cooked dinner.”
Seungmin shook his head.
Minho sighed, though he was clearly trying not to laugh. “Can we eat without relationship commentary for five minutes?”
Hyunjin’s ears turned red, but he stayed quiet, just eating his food while listening to them argue.
Jisung continued teasing, “Hyunjin is clearly whipped. He isn’t even telling you to stop.”
Felix shrugged, “And? I like that he is. He’s mine. If not for me, then who else?”
That made Hyunjin’s ears turn even redder, but he didn’t say anything, just reached under the table and lightly squeezed Felix’s hand instead while trying to hide his smile
Hyunjin didn’t say anything, but he was watching Felix with soft, fond eyes.
He loved him. A lot.
More than he can imagine.
Hyunjin loved how Felix was possessive in the most affectionate way ,certain that Hyunjin was his, the same way Hyunjin was certain Felix was his. It made Hyunjin feel wanted, protected, and loved all at once.
Watching Felix laugh and argue with Jisung, still casually leaning close to him, Hyunjin thought how lucky he was to have someone who loved so openly and so boldly.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
Finally, it was their graduation day.
The hall was full of students in crisp uniforms, families taking photos, and teachers moving around proudly as they watched another batch of students prepare to leave the college behind. The atmosphere was excited and slightly emotional all at once.
Felix stood with his friends, adjusting his graduation gown while Jeongin kept complaining about how uncomfortable the cap was. Hyunjin was standing a little distance away, talking with Chan and Minho, but his eyes kept drifting back to Felix.
Felix noticed. He smiled a little to himself, feeling that familiar warmth in his chest. Even after two years of dating, Hyunjin still looked at him like he was something precious.
Soon, the ceremony started, and when their names were called one by one, they walked across the stage to receive their certificates.
When Hyunjin’s name was called to receive his certificate, he straightened his graduation gown and walked toward the stage.
All of a sudden, a shout;
"That’s my man!"
Hyunjin's eyes immediately searched the crowd.
Felix was standing near their friends, already grinning widely, looking like he was about to burst with pride.
The students around them laughed, some turning to look, while Hyunjin’s ears turned bright red despite trying to stay composed on stage. He just shook his head slightly, smiling as he received his certificate, feeling warmth spread through his chest.
Felix felt proud. Proud of himself, proud of his friends, and especially proud of Hyunjin, who had graduated with top honors.
When the ceremony ended, students rushed outside for photos.
Felix barely had time to step down from the stage before Hyunjin appeared in front of him, holding his cap slightly crooked from running.
“You did it,” Hyunjin said softly.
Felix grinned. “So did you.”
Hyunjin didn’t say anything else. He just pulled Felix into a tight hug, lifting him slightly off the ground for a moment before setting him back down carefully.
“I’m proud of you, Lix,” Hyunjin said quietly.
Felix felt his cheeks warm. “I know.”
After the graduation ceremony, they spent a long time taking photos together. Friends crowded around, posing with their caps, laughing loudly whenever someone made a funny face. Chan kept trying to organize everyone into one proper photo, while Jisung kept ruining it by making peace signs behind people’s heads.
“Just one normal photo!” Chan complained.
“There is no such thing as a normal photo with us,” Seungmin said calmly.
Somehow, they completed taking one for their memories.
After photos, they went to their favorite café. The table was filled with drinks and laughter. Some of them got drunk quickly, especially Jisung, who was already talking non-stop and laughing at nothing in particular. The others were tipsy, talking with slightly slower, softer voices.
Felix and Jisung were the most talkative, while the others stayed relatively sober.
“Minho hyung, you’re supposed to be the responsible one,” Jisung said, slurring slightly.
“I am responsible,” Minho replied. “That’s why I’m not letting you order another drink.”
Jeongin laughed. Jisung pointed at him. “You’re younger. Respect your elders.”
Meanwhile, Hyunjin was watching Felix carefully. Felix was already a little drunk, laughing at something Chan had said, his words slightly slower than usual. Hyunjin gently reached over and took the glass from Felix’s hand.
“Hey, Angel,” he said softly. “No more drinking.”
Felix pouted. “Just one more…”
“No,” Hyunjin said, voice gentle but firm. “You’re already drunk.”
Felix didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned his head on Hyunjin’s shoulder, completely relaxed, his voice slightly slurred. “You’re mean.”
Hyunjin only smiled, resting his head lightly against Felix’s. “I’m taking care of you.”
Felix hummed softly.
Jisung and Seungmin kept on bickering on something useless. Chan shook his head, smiling fondly at all of them.
Eventually, the conversation turned quieter. One by one, they shared their plans.
Minho wanted to continue in his dance field. Chan wanted to work on his music projects. Jisung joked that he would become rich and famous. Seungmin said he would just survive and see what happened.
When it was Felix and Hyunjin’s turn, Felix smiled sleepily.
“We’re staying together,” Felix said simply, voice soft but certain.
Hyunjin nodded beside him. “Yeah. We decided to rent an apartment and live together, with Lix continuing his career in theatre and theatre costume design. I guess I’ll start exhibiting my work and collaborating with art galleries. I got an offer.”
Felix lifted his head slightly, smiling lazily. Hyunjin squeezed his hand under the table, smiling fondly at him as Felix slowly leaned back onto his shoulder again, already half asleep from the alcohol and warmth of being surrounded by people he loved.
They all made a quiet promise to stay together no matter where life took them. Even if they went in different directions, they would always stay connected.
Soon, everyone started leaving one by one. Minho left with Jisung, still arguing about something trivial. Chan walked off with Jeongin, talking about future plans. Changbin left with Seungmin, both of them still lightly teasing each other. Hyunjin had already asked Changbin earlier to stay over at Felix’s dorm with Seungmin, since he wanted to spend more time with Felix.
“Text me when you get home,” Chan said.
“You too,” Felix replied, waving lazily.
“Don’t get too drunk next time,” Seungmin told Jisung.
“I make no promises,” Jisung said, laughing.
They kept waving until everyone slowly disappeared into different directions of the street.
Hyunjin then turned back to Felix, who was still very drunk and stubbornly holding onto his sleeve. Felix kept leaning against Hyunjin’s side, still very clearly drunk and talkative.
“You know,” Felix said suddenly, poking Hyunjin’s arm, “I think I’m the luckiest boyfriend in the world.”
Hyunjin smiled. “Oh? What makes you say that?”
"Because you,” Felix said seriously, pointing at him. “You are very handsome. And smart. And always take care of me.”
Hyunjin laughed softly. “Yeah?"
Felix hummed.
Later, as they started walking back toward Hyunjin’s dorm, Felix kept talking while holding onto his arm.
“Jin.”
“Hm?”
“If we get old… you’ll still hold my hand, right?”
Hyunjin’s expression softened. “Yes.”
“Even when I get annoying?”
“You’re already annoying,” Hyunjin said teasingly.
Felix pouted. “Rude.”
Hyunjin smiled. “But I love you anyway.”
Felix hummed happily, leaning more heavily against him as they walked through the quiet streets.
After a few more steps, Felix suddenly stopped walking.
“Jin,” he said again.
“Hm?”
“Carry me.”
Hyunjin shook his head but crouched slightly anyway. “You’re very demanding when you’re drunk.” Felix climbed onto his back immediately, wrapping his arms loosely around Hyunjin’s shoulders while Hyunjin adjusted him to make sure he was secure.
"Jin,” Felix said seriously, though his words were slightly slurred. “Do you really love me?”
Hyunjin sighed fondly. “Yes, Lix. I really do.”
Felix shook his head. “No, like… really really love me?”
Hyunjin smiled. “Yes. Really really love you.”
Felix frowned slightly. “Like… you won’t get tired of me?”
Hyunjin stopped walking for a second. “I will never get tired of you.”
Felix hummed. “You better not. I’m very lovable.”
Hyunjin laughed softly. “You are.”
They walked in comfortable silence for a while.
Then Felix spoke again, voice slower now.
“Jin…”
“Yes, Baby?”
“I really like being yours.”
Hyunjin felt his chest warm. “I really like being yours too.”
Gradually, Felix’s breathing slowed down. His head grew heavier against Hyunjin’s shoulder.
Hyunjin glanced back slightly.
“Lix?”
No answer.
Felix had fallen asleep, still holding onto him tightly, completely trusting Hyunjin to carry him home safely. Hyunjin only smiled softly and continued walking under the quiet streetlights.
When they finally reached Hyunjin’s dorm, Hyunjin carefully unlocked the door and carried Felix inside. The room was quiet and dimly lit, only the soft light from the hallway spilling inside.
He gently shook Felix’s shoulder. “Lix… wake up. You need to change and brush your teeth.”
Felix groaned softly, burying his face into Hyunjin’s shoulder. “Five more minutes…”
“No five more minutes,” Hyunjin said, though his voice was soft and fond. “Come on, sleepybug.”
Felix finally opened one eye, looking very grumpy but still drunk and soft. “You’re so strict.”
"Yeah?"
Felix only mumbled but let Hyunjin guide him toward the wardrobe. He took out one of Felix’s clothes from the drawer he always kept specially for him. He had two sets of almost everything there; soft oversized T-shirts, comfortable sleep shorts, and loose sweatpants.
Felix stood there obediently while Hyunjin helped him change, still too sleepy and drunk to protest much. Hyunjin moved carefully, pulling the soft T-shirt over Felix’s head and helping him into soft, loose sleep pants, making sure he was steady on his feet. He brushed Felix's teeth while Felix leaned his head on Hyunjin's shoulder.
Once Felix was settled, Hyunjin guided him back to the bed and helped him lie down. He pulled the blanket over him, tucking it gently around Felix’s shoulders.
“Sleep,” Hyunjin said softly.
“Okay.”
Hyunjin stayed for a moment, making sure Felix was comfortable before going to brush his teeth, wash his face, and change into his own comfortable sleepwear.
When Hyunjin came back from the bathroom, he expected Felix to be asleep already. Instead, Felix was lying wide awake under the blankets, looking at him with soft, sleepy eyes.
Hyunjin smiled quietly and slid under the blanket beside him.
The moment he lay down, Felix immediately moved closer. He pressed himself against Hyunjin’s chest, resting his head there, and wrapped his arms and legs loosely around Hyunjin like a sleepy burrito, holding him tightly as if he didn’t want to let go.
Hyunjin only chuckled softly, wrapping his arms securely around Felix’s waist and pulling him closer, one hand gently resting on the back of Felix’s head while the other stayed around his back, holding him comfortably and warmly.
Felix stayed quiet for a moment before speaking softly.
"Jin,” he mumbled. “Are you really sure we’ll stay together?”
“Yes, Sweetheart,” Hyunjin said softly. “I’m very sure.”
“Even when things get hard?”
“Yes,” Hyunjin said immediately. “Even then. We’ll face everything together.”
Felix smiled slightly, tightening his hold around Hyunjin’s chest. “Okay.”
Hyunjin pressed a soft kiss to Felix’s hair and closed his eyes. “Stop overthinking and sleep, baby.”
Felix nodded."Promise me something.”
Hyunjin opened his eyes slightly, looking down at him. “What is it, Angel?”
Felix stayed quiet for a moment before speaking in a soft, sleepy voice. “Promise me, even when we get busy with work,even when life gets stressful, we’ll still come home to each other everyday.”
Hyunjin’s expression softened immediately.
“I promise,” he said without hesitation. “We’ll build everything together. Work, home, life; you and me.”
Felix hummed sleepily, loving the idea of it. “We’ll live together… eat together… come home together.”
Hyunjin smiled faintly, brushing his fingers gently through Felix’s hair. “Yes. We’ll share everything.”
Felix smiled, voice already getting sleepier. “Future plans too?”
“Future plans too. We’ll decide everything side by side.”
“Then I don’t need to worry.”
“You never had to,” Hyunjin murmured softly. “I’m staying with you. Always.”
Felix hummed, completely relaxed in his arms. Hyunjin pressed a very soft kiss to Felix’s hair.
Outside, the world kept moving. Graduations would turn into jobs, jobs would turn into routines, routines would turn into a life they built together slowly and carefully.
But inside this room, inside this moment, there was only warmth.
Felix was here. Hyunjin was here. And that was enough.
Hyunjin tightened his hold slightly, just enough to remind himself that this was real.
“Sleep well, Lix,” he whispered softly.
Felix didn’t answer, only hummed in his sleep and held him a little tighter.
And somewhere in the quiet darkness, between heartbeats and soft breaths, they held onto each other,and Hyunjin knew they always would.
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·
People think I let him get away with too much. They say it like I’m being generous. Like I’m tolerating him.
The truth is more simple.
Felix is bright. Possessive. Entirely incapable of whispering when he could announce something instead. He calls me his during free period, while everyone's watching, as if it isn’t already obvious.
And I have never once corrected him.
Because he’s right.
I am.
In the same way, he's mine.
- Hyunjin
· · ─ ·🍓✶🥟· ─ · ·