DLMLU ~ Hiatus ~

Before the Dam Breaks

A/N - Merry Christmas Soulies.

Love you Soulies.

☆ミ　☆彡

Changbin's comforting cologne lulled Felix. The scent was warm and rich, making his head feel light and giddy in a way that was far from unpleasant. They sat at the table, bubbling with anticipation as they waited for the food to be finished. Felix's gaze drifted across the kitchen, taking in the scene that unfolded before him.

Minho was at the stove, wholly absorbed in his task; the sizzle and splatter of grease punctuated the air as food cooked. Jisung, never the one to be cautious, was perched near Minho's shoulder, his eyes wide with a mix of curiosity, or maybe it was the fact he liked being close to the older. Jisung would flinch with each pop of grease, instinctively drawing closer to Minho as if seeking refuge from the tiny eruptions that seemed so threatening. It was an endearing sight; their dynamic was a perfect blend of trust, and Jisung stuck to Minho like glue. Felix couldn't help but smile at the warmth that surrounded him, feeling content in the lively atmosphere created by his friends. He could see Chan staring with concerned eyes, yet with this look glancing over at Minho as if silently saying, 'Talk to your brother,' but at the moment, Felix couldn't really tell what was on Chan's mind. Chan, who is like an older brother to Felix, only thinks of Felix as Lee Know's little brother possibly. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, his eyes were set on someone far more worthy of it, in his opinion, when Chan glanced back at the youngest member in the bunker, who was making age remarks again. Seungmin, who is like a mentor to Felix, strolled in with Hyunjin, who looked restless moments later. Someone punched his lungs out, seeing Jisung beside Lee Know at the table. It was far, few and between all those who lived in the bunker, they actually had breakfast together.

If it wasn't Minho disappearing in the middle of the night, Chan coming back from the hotel they ran, or Changbin leaving first thing in the morning to take on one of the many doubles he takes as a doctor, they never sat long enough.

Changbin's embrace enveloped Felix in a warm, secure cocoon. His casual touch on Felix's arm sent a wave of comfort through him, making his heart flutter with a sense of safety. So lost at that moment, Felix didn't even notice Minho placing the food in front of him with a gentle smile.

"Lix... You have food in front of you," Changbin's gentle whisper broke Felix's reverie, bringing a rush of embarrassment to his cheeks. He had been so lost in the moment, held by Changbin, that he had forgotten where he was.

"Right... Thank you, Lee Know-Hyung." Felix weakly smiled, staring down at the food that he made. He still felt terrible for everything. He hadn't even apologized, but he still took time to ensure he was eating. He still cared. Lee Know smiled softly, turning his attention to Jisung begging to be fed. Felix found it looked adorable seeing his brother happy. But still, deep down, he felt something wasn't sitting right. Why did he see him with that piece of trash, Xiao? That guy had caused nothing but trouble in the orphanage; why was he all the way in Seoul and not Busan?

They had travelled far to escape their past, to start anew. Their life in the bunker with the others. It was better than what they had before, and they were determined to make it work.

Felix felt something press between his eyebrows, causing the boy to look up from the daydream-like thoughts. To his surprise, it was Minho, not Changbin this time.

"Overthinking will give you wrinkles if you keep creasing your brows like that," Minho said softly, pulling his hand away.

"Come on, let's go for a walk and talk after breaky. Mhmm?" he said. It wasn't as much of a question as a statement, and Felix nodded. Changbin's arms were unwrapped from around him as they finished eating-a subtle warmth filled Felix's chest. Soon, breakfast was made, and then Felix and Minho followed. But before following him completely, he ran to the bedroom, grabbing the package. The package held a significant item, a symbol of their past and their journey to escape it. Felix stared at it for a few short moments before running back down to meet Minho.