Seoulstruck (Stray Kids, 18+)

Chapter 24: Let's Groove

The day was a blur to Felix, his exhaustion present even after his daily coffee. He sat in the break room, teetering in and out of sleep, noticing it was noon and remembering what Jisung said. He pulled out his phone, too tired to feel nervous, opening Changbin's contact.

"Hey, Changbinnie!~"

Without a second thought, Felix pressed send, butterflies erupting in his stomach when he saw the man had read it, immediately. He was awake, now.

The typing bubble danced as Felix's anticipation had him chewing on the straw of his iced coffee. He wondered if he was too casual, already. Was he interrupting an important recording session? Did the rapper even want to hear from Felix at all? The Aussie could feel his face blushing, thankful to be hidden away for the moment.

"Hey, this is Felix, right? How have you been?"

Felix's heart raced, unable to contain his smile as he replied.

"I'm very well! How about yourself? I was wondering what your schedule looked like, this week."

Changbin was being attentive, Felix's messages showing as "read" as soon as he sent them. His nerves were back, but the rapper seemed eager to talk to him, too, or maybe that was simply Felix's hope. Either way, he was finally talking to Changbin one-on-one, again.

"I'm doing great. I actually have the rest of the week off. Did you want to hang out?"

Felix couldn't believe how easy that was.

"If you're down! Tomorrow? Why don't we take a walk?"

"Sounds perfect."

Felix collapsed in his chair, holding his phone to his heart. He was far too excited, but he vowed to go to bed early, that night.

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The next morning, Felix rolled out of bed, having spent the night restlessly thinking about the day he'd be spending with Changbin. His plan for sleep backfired. He shuffled to his bathroom, turning on a romantic playlist of chill songs to get himself ready to. He groomed himself to perfection, making sure he looked as refreshed as possible before excavating his closet for his fluffy, pastel blue cardigan and favorite white pants. He wore a beret in his hair, his entire outfit looking comfortable and light. He laced up his white shoes and grabbed his shoulder bag, sending Changbin a text.

They'd agreed to meet at a halfway point not far from either's apartment. Felix did his best not to skip the entire way, the sky matching his cardigan, clouds swimming overhead, a perfect, breezy day. As soon as he turned the corner, he immediately noticed Changbin standing across the street. The rapper was dressed in a denim Louis Vuitton jacket and matching jeans, a white t-shirt underneath with understated jewelry. Effortlessly chic. Felix smiled wide as Changbin looked up and saw him, smiling and waving.

"Were you waiting long?" Felix asked, approaching the man. Changbin shook his head. "Not at all," he said, pushing his phone into his pocket, Felix having his undivided attention. "Have you eaten, yet?" Felix shook his head. "Should we find something?" Changbin nodded, the pair starting their walk, wandering the nearby carts selling various hot foods, each one smelling more delicious than the last. "I think I want tteokbokki," Felix said, pointing to a sign. Changbin agreed, the pair approaching the street vendor. They ordered their meals, Changbin refusing to allow Felix to pay. The Aussie could feel himself blush at the gesture. They took their food to the benches, Felix whipping out his phone for some photos. "Ah... I should ask, am I allowed to take selfies with you?" Changbin smiled. "Of course," he said, Felix smiling as he held up his phone, getting both of them in the shot, the tteokbokki between them on the table. "Wow," the rapper remarked, Felix allowing him to check the photo. "You're like a selfie king." The freckled man chuckled. "It's just really easy for me, I suppose," he said. Changbin nodded. "It must come with being handsome, hm?"