Tell Me a Hundred Million Times (I Do Too)

Box 5

Felix arrived at the dance studio and Minho sat on the floor waiting for him with several bags of takeout with him.

When he hears the younger arrive, he stands up and grabs Felix in a hug.

"Oh baby," Minho purrs.

Felix doesn't say anything. He just closes his eyes and squeezes Minho's back tighter.

"Come. Eat with me. I haven't had dinner yet." Minho tells the younger.

The elder arranged the boxes of takeout on a desk table. Felix sits on the floor across Minho and takes the chopsticks the elder's passing to him.

They eat in silence, and Felix feels grateful. They finish everything first before Minho started talking again.

"Luckily Jinnie is in a project abroad. Or else, he would've been here dramatically pounding and begging at the door like the theater kid that he is," Minho says.

Felix giggles.

"I won't ask what happened, but I just heard a very crazed and worried version from Jisung. How Chan terrorized you or something. But I'll believe whatever you tell me."

"It's nothing like that, Hyung. It's all me. I panicked and ran away. That's all," Felix says.

They're both leaning at the mirror, and it feels cold on their backs. Minho grabs his hand nearest to him, and says, "Okay. I understand. I'll keep the guys off your back for as long as I can. But please, text me. Tell me you're sleeping and eating fine. That's all I ask."

Felix smiles tearily and leans at the elder's shoulders. Minho cups his cheeks and kisses the top of his head.

"Thanks, Hyung. It's just for a few days. I just, need time to get away."

"From us?" Lino asks. Felix shakes his head.

"From Chan Hyung?" Felix doesn't respond.

They both fall into a comfortable silence, and they let a few minutes pass between them.

"Do you want to see one of the kid's entry videos? It's really good."

Felix sits up and looks at Minho excitedly. Minho fishes his phone out of his pocket and plays Felix the video. They fall into an easy pattern, where Felix feels comfortable and protected by Minho. And Minho easily indulges him.

They gave out comments and suggestions, and they finished watching 3 videos.

They're still leaning on the mirrors, where Felix can easily see the whole room. From the floor to the ceiling.

"You'll come back and substitute for me again, right?" Minho asks.

Felix looks at the elder in the eyes. "Of course, Hyung. Anytime. I love dancing."

"I know, baby," Minho says then falls into an amicable silence.

"Take your time. Take all the time you need. But please come back to us." Minho says.

Felix always knew Minho had a parent streak. He always cared for them silently, fiercely. But he never knew he'd be this affected.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Hyung."

"I'm not the only one who's worried, baby. We all are." Minho cuts off. Wanting to say more but knowing it won't exactly help.

Felix catches the insinuation but chooses to ignore it.

"Thank you. For everything. Did they ask where you were going? You weren't being followed, right?"

"Well, I'm quite famous for making good on my threats. And I may or may not have threatened them."

Felix giggles. Yup.

"Thank you, Hyung, for everything"

"Stop. Don't sound you're never coming back."

"I'm sorry. But I mean it."

"I know. Just thank me when you come back."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah."

"You promise?"

"Mhmm." Felix hums.

"Words, baby."

"I promise Lino Hyung."

"Good."

Felix side-eyes the door. His bags are already at the door, but he's sure Minho hasn't seen it yet. He hid it very well

"Will you let me send you back to your apartment?" Minho asks.

Felix shakes his head.

"I'll be fine, Hyung. I'll stay here for another hour. Practice for a little bit. The exercise might do me some good."

"Right. That sounds like a good idea. Lock up when you leave, yeah?"

"I will Hyung."

"Can I text you tomorrow morning?"

"Of course you can, Lino Hyung."

"Okay. I'll text you in the morning." Minho stands up and drags Felix with him. He hugs the younger tight, tighter than he ever did. And Felix feels so emotional.

"I'm here, baby. We're all here. Come back when you're ready." Minho whispers fondly.

Felix nods, hiding his face in the crook of the elder's neck. He doesn't wanna cry anymore.

Minho lets go after a few seconds and cups his cheek. "Such a beautiful, baby."

Felix snorts. "You're more beautiful though."

"Well yeah, but someone has to be second right?" Minho responds.

"Yeah. That's Jinnie Hyung." Felix answers.

"Nope, that's you. Jinnie can be third." Minho winks.

Felix smiles wider and clasps the elder's hand on his cheek. "You should go. Get some sleep. Jisung dragged you everywhere the past days. You need your energy back."

"Yeah. He's lucky I like him."

"He is," Felix answers.

"Okay. That's my cue to leave. Lock up after you go, okay? And I'll text you in the morning."

"Okay, Hyung. Go."

"Okay-okay. I'm leaving. Here I am, walking out the door" Felix laughs at the elder still talking even when he's out of sight.

Felix breaths, and waits for 10 minutes. Just looking around at the place that's brought him comfort and joy for years.

Felix checks the time. It says 12 AM. His flight is at 2 AM.

He takes his bags, takes a cab, to ICN Airport. 

---------------------------------

Here it is. I think it's safe to say we know we're Felix is going. But the others don't need to know that. Hehehe.

Happy reading! I hope you guys like it.