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The pounding of music thrums through Felix’ blood, adrenaline coursing through him as cheers echo throughout the venue. He pants, looking at all of his teammates as they look at all of the people there, all of their fans, with awe. They never knew that they’d make it as big as they have– and they’re still only growing larger and larger. Tiredness is warded off by the excitement that always creeps up as they near the end of their set, ramping up for the biggest act of the night; the finale.
“Alright, are you guys ready for everyone’s favorite song?” Chan teases the crowd with an eyebrow wriggle, the crow exploding with answers and more cheers (Felix is always impressed by the vocal strength that their fans have, especially with how much they scream). Music begins to waft through the speakers, all of them getting into position before throwing themself into the music and dance.
Felix begins his rapping solo, scanning the crowd with the smirk that everyone seems to love, when his eyes catch a shiny, red colouring through the brightness of the lights. Felix is entranced by the presence the moment that he lays his eyes on the beautiful metal exterior. He gulps, trailing off as he desperately attempts to regain his composure, the brief pause going unnoticed by everyone except for his teammates. The song comes to a close, and there is an uproar of refusal when the band starts to bid the crowd farewell, Chan going on about how he hopes that everyone had a great time, and they’ll see everyone next time.
By the time they reach the green room backstage, Jisung saddles up beside Felix with a furrowed brow.
“What happened during the finale?” He asks, worry and curiosity obvious in his voice. Felix purses his lips.
“I saw someone in the audience, they just caught me off guard.” Felix admits quietly. Jisung raises an eyebrow, a tease already on his tongue.
“Really? You falling in love with a fan,” he pokes Felix’ side, who scoffs.
“I could barely see them through the lights, and I’ve never even spoken to them before. It’s hardly even like.” Felix retorts, peeling the mic off of his cheek, placing it back where it goes before grabbing a comfy chane of clothes for the ride back to the hotel. Jisung scrunches his nose.
“You’re no fun,” he whines, leaving Felix be. He wasn’t wrong, he wasn’t able to fully see the presence in the crowd that made his thoughts run wild, and he hadn’t talked to them, but… something about their aura enraptured Felix, and he’s determined to meet them, one day.
~~~
The group is out for dinner, which is a somewhat rare occasion, given that they often aren’t able to go out unless it’s a scheduled appearance, but they’re on their two week break and they’re in this small town– which is probably classified more as a village then anything– and so they’re far less worried about getting recognized than normal. They’re being rambunctious, as per usual, but the rest of the restaurant is all but dead, only two other people eating there, and Felix isn’t paying attention to whoever enters and exits the place, too busy having an argument over papaya cheesecake with Jisung.
“Can I just get some pancakes, please?” A smooth, deep voice says behind Felix and all of his thoughts come to a halt, the sound of the person scratching an itch that he didn’t even know that he had. The bartender laughs.
“Been a while since you stayed up all night, hasn’t it?” The girl teases, and the man hums. Felix turns around, ignoring Jisung’s comments, and he sees an oddly familiar frame. Sleek, red paint layers over the shiny metal of the person from the concert a few weeks back. Now that the light shines gently over the frame, and he isn’t riddled with adrenaline from a successful concert, all of the breath is stolen out of Felix’ lungs as he truly admires the beautiful person. The bartender leaves to go fetch the man’s order, and the table grows silent as they notice where Felix is looking. The man turns around awkwardly, making eye contact with Felix for barely a moment before diverting his gaze.
“Hi,” Felix all-but-whispers, still taking in the sight of the ethereal being that stands in front of him.
“You must be new in town, just passing through?” The man asks, and Felix nods.
“Yeah, I’m, uh, Felix. It’s nice to meet you.” He states, breathlessly, embarrassment creeping up his cheeks. The man nods.
“I’m Lightning McQueen. If you want to see any of the town staples while you’re here, don’t be afraid to ask me. I’d love to give you a tour.” The man, Lightning McQueen, says, giving Felix a little nod before grabbing his food and leaving. Behind him, Felix hears snickering, and when he turns around, Jeongin wraggling his eyebrows obnoxiously, Felix rolling his eyes before plopping back down in his seat. Chan bites his lip, traitorously, but Felix glares at him nonetheless.
“What?” He asks, unamused. Chan takes a deep breath to suppress his laughter.
“It just– you were so awkward, I was getting second hand embarrassment–" Felix shakes his head and turns it away.
“No, I don’t want to listen to you.” He interrupts, waving his hand in an attempt to ignore Chan’s suppressed giggles.
~~~
Felix and McQueen wander across the edge of the canyon, admiring the view as a gentle breeze floats through the air, the weather perfectly cool. Silence dances between them, though it isn’t awkward in the slightest. They did basic introductions, of course, and they talking a little about what they do for work– McQueen is a racer, which is super cool, in Felix’ totally unbiased opinion– and McQueen, obviously, already knew who Felix was, but he said he had attended the concert for one of his friends, who was utterly obsessed with them, which made Felix laugh lightly (it was not a giggle, he refuses to say that he giggled).
Now, though, they wander through the town, sharing occasional tidbits and stories, but overall, just enjoying each other’s company. Felix will admit, the more time he spends with the man, the more infatuated he becomes. The man’s presence is addicting to be in– and Felix can see why he’s so beloved by the racing community, he’s built to be a public figure.
Several of his bandmates laughed at him when he admitted that he was getting a tour of the town from McQueen, teasingly fawning over the racer, but Felix ignores them (as per usual) and enjoys the tour (because it isn’t a date, they barely even know each other!).
They end up at the ice cream shop, McQueen telling him about his best friend, who once thought that wasabi was pistachio ice cream, Felix laughing loudly at that, because that sounds like something that Jisung would totally do, and they share a scoop of pistachio ice cream, mostly as a joke, but Felix can’t say that he didn’t feel something from it.
Eventually, it grows late, and Felix leaves the next day, early in the morning, so as to be able to get to their next spot on time.
“I wish we could have spent more time together,” McQueen says lightly as they see Felix’ hotel creep up on the horizon. Felix nods.
“Me too, tonight was fun,” he smiles, McQueen pausing in his tracks to admire the pretty gesture. Felix’ cheeks colour, looking away as McQueen’s gaze grows heavy, even if it’s in a good way. McQueen gulps before averting his gaze to the ground below them, moving once more. Felix opens his mouth, but he’s not quite sure what to say, even as they stand in front of his door. They turn to face each other, unsurity passing between them.
Before they can do anything about it, though, the door opens and Minho stands in the doorway, staring at McQueen. Felix narrows his eyes at his Hyung, annoyance evident in his gaze.
“It’s bed time, Bokkie.” Minho states. Felix looks back at McQueen, a sigh already on his tongue, but the man shakes his head.
“Good night, Felix,” He says lightly before leaving the two alone before Felix could even bid him a goodbye. Minho pulls Felix into the room, instructing him to get ready for bed, since they have to leave tomorrow.
Even if Felix doesn’t want to. He’d give up his career for the man that just stood in front of his door.