Phoenix Wings

Chapter 14: "Chocolates And Burnt Marshmellow"

A week has passed since then. Hyunjin was giving Felix his last few lessons before the Winter Hybrid Examinations for bodyguards which takes place in three weeks' time. For the last week, Hyunjin wanted Felix to rest and recover before he underwent the exams. He told the younger that it usually has three parts: A physical exam, a theoretical exam and the last may be something undisclosed yet. Hyunjin and Felix were pretty cool being with each other's company; but both decided it was best not to talk about the recent "closure" that happened between him and Changbin. Hyunjin smiled and praised Felix whenever he did something right; even noting that he has vastly improved on his training. He looked at Felix differently now, more lovingly as a brother and less of a rival.

During breaks, Hyunjin would do his best to sit along the table with Seungmin and Jeongin; finally joining them for meals when he can. He guarded Changbin dutifully during his shifts as well. Lee Know and Han talked to themselves that Hyunjin has become even more quite the role model when it came to doing his job. He was hardworking than ever before. It was probably to keep himself busy at all times.

No one talked about the fact that Hyunjin was going away to travel once Felix has been proclaimed a Phoenix Wing member. This information kind of dampened the mood around the house. They missed him after all. Hyunjin would reassure them though, that nothing was quite final yet. He may or may not leave. It was something he still has to come to terms with himself. A certain blue haired doctor kind of wished he will not leave though. But the decision rests on Hyunjin only.

The crew did not push anything to him; giving him just enough space and just enough company so he won't be as lonely. It was hard when you have to trudge along the pain alone. Because how could one understand another's pain such as this?

It was only at night when Hyunjin is trying to catch sleep that he would still feel a slight pang in his heart; the aching truth creeping its way towards him in the dark. And he couldn't fight it. He had to go through this even if it was painful.

"I'll be okay. I'll be okay." He comforted himself. But sometimes it wasn't enough to say those words to himself. He'd find himself crying on his pillow sometimes; only to wake up with puffy eyes.

Sometimes, when he wakes up, he'd find Seungmin lying next to him on his bed; hugging him and spooning him. And sometimes, this gesture would make him cry a bit more. His dear Seungminnie, always there for him to try to give him even a bit of comfort. The dog hybrid did not say much. Even when he had the sharpest sense of smell and knew what went about a few days ago in his bed. For some reason, this group of friends have learned the language of silence.

And at times such as this, silence can also be a friend.

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Training was over for the day. The first snow has already come last night; covering the Seo Estate with a thick blanket of snow. Hyunjin and Felix sat at the doorstep trying to catch their breaths after all the running they did. They wore layers of clothing along with their black cloaks that draped on their shoulders, but it still did not stop the cold from seeping into their very bones. It was going to be a very cold night with an impending snow storm or so the weather forecast says.

"Hey, pretty boy. Here." Hyunjin said with a huff; his breath forming steam as he did so. He took something from his pocket and handed it to Felix.

"What is this?" Felix asked. He was also still catching his breath. It was harder to breathe in all the cold; it's as if his lungs were frozen. Oh how he wished to go inside to get a mug of hot cocoa and warm his insides. He took the piece of parchment paper, opened it and it read:

"Meeting. 10PM Tonight."

From the neat cursive handwriting that slanted to the right, he knew it was Changbin's. He saw too many documents with his writing to be familiarized with it by now.