You're the One

-37-

Felix woke up the next day, feeling like shit. It had taken him hours to fall asleep the night before, since he had been hung up about what Minsung had said. He still hadn't made a decision, and he doubted he would without a proper deadline. It would have to be tonight.

The apartment was quieter than he expected it to be. After his shower, he went to the kitchen to grab some breakfast, or rather lunch, considering what time it was. When I.N strolled in to get something to drink, the elder asked where everybody was.

"Chan hyung has left with the others, to do the post production of the music video. I don't know where Seungmin is, but Hyunjin is in his room painting again." It was no surprise that the team was already working on the editing, but it surprised Felix that they hadn't chosen to do it in the privacy of their apartment. "Did Chan really choose to go to JYP? With both Minho and Jisung with him?" I.N shook his head. "No, they left for the Ateez apartment. Changbin hyung knew it wasn't a good idea to go to JYP, and that Chan hyung didn't want to do it here, so he suggested they borrowed the apartment. Apparently Ateez is off filming for three days somewhere outside Seoul, so the captain let them use it today." They chatted a bit more, while Felix finished his cereal. When I.N suggested that they play Super Sus together, Felix grinned. "Sure, but why don't we ask the guys and make an evening of it tomorrow night?" I.N happily agreed and with that settled, it was time to find Hyunjin.

The door was ajar, so Felix knocked gently at the door frame. "Hey, Jinni. Do you have a moment?" The taller just waved him in without turning away from his easel where his canvas was resting. He was currently working on a still life of some flowers the Aussie couldn't name. After sneaking a look over the artist shoulder he jumped onto the bed and got comfortable. "Please, have a seat," Hyunjin said sardonically.

"I might need your help today, Jinni" Felix began. "OK, with what exactly?" "Well, I might or might not need to look the best I ever have later this evening. I'm not sure yet." He was fiddling with the corners of Hyunjin's bed spread nervously. Even the topic itself made him anxious. Hyunjin started cleaning his paint brush meticulously, like it was impossible to get it clean enough, without answering. When he was finally satisfied with the result, he looked up at Felix. "I see." Hyunjin put the brush away and sauntered over to Felix on the bed. "You want to look the best you've ever done?" He snapped his fingers next to Felix' face. "There. It's done!"

"Hyunjin!" Felix wailed. "I'm serious!!" The taller stared at him. "So am I." He jumped onto his bed and took both of Felix' hands in his own. "Felix, your beauty is in your smile, your deep voice, your playful attitude. It's in your freckles. It's in the sparkle of your eyes. I know what you're really asking of me, but you don't need make up or fancy clothes to look beautiful. You already are, sunshine." Felix started tearing up from the sweet words. "Really?" The taller pulled on his hands so Felix could fall into his embrace. "Really, Lix. You have nothing to worry about." The reassurance only made Felix tears fall freely, and soon the shoulder of Hyunjin's sweatshirt was wet like a used wash cloth. "I don't know what to do," he sniffled. "You'll figure it out, and I will help you. I just need you to understand that it's not necessary. It's not make up that will convince him." Felix pulled back and dried his cheeks with the back of his hand. "You know?" "Felix, we all know. Well, everyone except perhaps Chan hyung himself. The man is more stubborn than a mule."

***

Back in his room, Felix felt a little better and a little more decided. It felt good to have Hyunjin on his side. Now he needed to plan. If he really was doing this, and this was his last chance, he needed to do it properly. It was one thing to go with the flow and casually offer Chan a blowjob at the Ateex party. He cringed internally from the memory. Now he was premeditating to seduce Chan. It couldn't be half-assed. The bad joke made Felix giggle to himself nervously. He would need the most thorough shower he had ever taken. He needed to shave – everywhere. And he needed lube. What else? His mind was racing. Would he even have time for all his preparations before Chan came back? He texted Jisung, asking his best friend to notify him when they were on their way back. The reply came after a few minutes. "Sure thing, babe. I'll let you know. The video is looking really good so far. There isn't much work left, but we are going to have dinner before we go back. I'll text you when we are done eating."

OK, then. Felix could feel his resolution firming up. "High risk. High reward," he kept saying to himself. Chan had been more relaxed around him lately and they had shared some skin ship. The leader had even encouraged him to snuggle up during movie night. Felix recalled how Chan had told him that it hurt not to be with him. Maybe Chan too would feel like this was a last chance? Or had it been the alcohol talking, back at he party? Chewing on his lip, he decided that it didn't matter. He needed to do this for his own peace of mind. One last time he would put himself out there. He was taking a big leap and he prayed to everything holy that Chan would catch him. Because if he didn't, Felix would break.