Lost in his Fables (Hyunlix fanfiction) // 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒅

Chapter 16

                               Felix gulps and observes the quiet water, trying to concentrate on something else but the man whom he kissed a few hours ago. The man who means so much to him, but his stubbornness can only make Felix look heartless, when deep inside he... still cares. Even after finding out that Hyunjin killed his father, he still cares. He clenches his teeth and tightens the grip on the flower crown. Elara looks around, pretending to set some landmarks. Why is everyone so quiet? Should he say something? Is he the one who provoked this grave silence between all of them?

                                Hyunjin hisses as sitting down on the wooden bench makes his thigh hurt. The silence which is ruthlessly surrounding them in a dizzying spiral makes him move his gaze towards the person he is facing at the moment. He wants to grab Felix's hand, cup his face, and travel his fingers among every single darker spot constituting a staggering constellation of freckles, sprinkled on his cheeks. He wants to hug Felix and greedily inhale his sweet scent, fall on his knees and beg for forgiveness. He still can't get over it. Why did he have to tell that story? Why did he have to find out that he is the murderer of Felix's father? If it wasn't for that story he would still laugh with Felix and Elara, make up jokes and forget about the mean of time. But in this situation... Felix slowly moves his gaze from the water to the flower crown in his lap. Just for a second. Just for a single second Hyunjin could catch a glimpse of Felix's gaze before it got pointed towards the precious object. Hyunjin observes carefully how every single soft feature gathered and created this ethereal being in front of him. How the mocking Universe decided to hand him such a precious human to step on and crush under his foot. He notices how Felix's expression softens, an agonizing sadness conquering his always blissful face.

                                  Hyunjin bites his lip. True. If Felix doesn't want to answer, he doesn't have to. But Hyunjin can't keep this inside any longer. It's tormenting him on the inside, transforming his calm and peaceful lake into a swirling ocean of thoughts. "Will you ever be able to forgive me?..." Hyunjin talks in a broken tone, each word more whispered than the one before. Felix seems petrified for a few seconds and Hyunjin isn't quite sure if the man is still breathing. Until Felix blinks a couple of tears away and takes a deep breath, his wide shoulders straightening. He lifts his gaze up and bites his lower lip, clearly trying to hold inside a tsunami of sour tears. Hyunjin's eyes catch a glimpse of the scenery behind Felix. He shows a shocked expression and his body soon gets covered in goosebumps at the sight of the real horror bedtime story that he's been told at every household he grew up in. The Three Lost Wayfarers Cave. A myth, a legend, a place buried in the Astralis Mountains. He completely forgets about the question he just asked. "Fuck me if that cave is for real! It can't be..." Elara places her hand on Hyunjin's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "What is it about this cave?" Hyunjin rows the boat to the small piece of land while explaining everything he knows about the cave. "I remember being told that once you step inside, you have to fight your worst fear. I've heard thousands of stories about brave men and women who stepped inside proudly, but never came out-" Felix scoffs as he stands up to get off of the boat. "Are you still afraid of this clearly meant-to-scare-children story? Honestly... after all we've been through even if the Death God would rise in our path, I wouldn't be surprised... or scared." He listens absently to the nonexistent sounds. The place is way too quiet. He observes and understands why the cave is called 'Three Lost Wayfarers' , its unusual appearance alerting every being who dares to step closer to it. Three massive giant skulls serve as a not so welcoming facade of the cave. Every one of them has their mouth open, distinctively telling you something else. "Go back!" ; "Be mindful of your steps!" ; "Dare to come inside!"