Stay ~ A Stray Kids Fanfic

Felix

   Felix's POV

Everything was coming together now.

     We were finished filming, which meant more time spent on other things...or people. The days grew longer and colder. The eight of us found ourselves moving our hangouts indoors. Of course, this upset the basketball players who were so eager to run around outside. The cold weather also refrained Hyunjin from painting. The mural was almost done...the landscape days from being complete if it weren't for the stinging cold. Honestly, he wasn't as worried about getting sick as I was. Some days, he'd sneak a few minutes outside to paint before having to be scolded like a child.

     I wondered if this was what it was like to be in a marriage. Not so much the scolding, but the caring for one another, even if it meant disagreements. As much as I loved him, I couldn't be his caretaker. I wouldn't put that responsibility on myself.

     It's the last day of summer when we're all together again. With more tests and projects than ever, we've been finding it harder and harder to regroup. Jisung's either tutoring or with Minho. Seungmin's in the robotics club doing a ton of projects for upcoming openings. Changbin and Minho have had games every other day. Jeongin's been taking the shifts that Minho can't take. And Chris is working his tail off with committees and activities for the student council. He's probably had to stay after school every day this week.

     But today was Friday, the day for us to look forward to. Saturday was usually a good hang out day, but there so happened to be a basketball game tonight. With Minho's arm better, he's been playing more and more. Even with Changbin on the court with him.

     And although the game was away, we had our own situations to handle.

     "Fuck it, I'm not doing it." Hyunjin's pencil rolls past my paper and onto the floor. I glare at him, my hand gesturing to the librarian behind us. He slumps deeper in his seat. "Why do we need to learn significant figures anyways?"

     "So that you know how to write them later," is all I say before going back to the assignment. Chemistry was never Hyunjin's strong suit. People who were creative and artsy hated being told formulas and rules.

     The library was packed for a Friday night. Tables and desks were occupied with study groups and students finishing up assignments before the midnight due date. I had nothing in particular, but I knew Hyunjin had an English paper for his creative writing class to turn in. I promised I would review it for him.

     My leg is bouncing beneath the table. It's as cold in the library as it is outside. "When's the game?"

     "Seven."

     "Are we gonna make it?"

     The clock stares its angry 6:49 at me. I knew we weren't going to make it.

     He pulls out his phone and props it in front of us. It's the basketball game at the next town over. I lean closer, my chest pressing to my textbook as I look for Changbin and Minho.

     Before I can confirm or deny, Hyunjin points to two figures warming up on one side of the court. "There. 14 and 6." Their jersey numbers. 

     I smile at the two grinning wildly as they shoot hoops. Clapping each other on the back when one made it. It was reassuring to know that everything was neutral right now. Hyunjin didn't pick any more fights with Chris. I wouldn't have let him anyways; he's in his own acceptance phase. What did he expect in dating me? Like hell would I let this fling break up a friend group like ours.

     "And Chris is working the tailgate." It's the first he's said his name all day. Although they haven't fought, Hyunjin keeps this lethal calm around the leader. "Seungmin's doing yearbook."