4,000 Miles Away ♡ Lee Felix

🄲🄷🄰🄿🅃🄴🅁 11

╰┈➤ I'll Return *+:｡.｡ೃ⁀➷

I checked my watch, realizing that I had to meet Felix soon. There was still quite a bit of time left on the clothes and I didn't want to just leave them there. But Felix wouldn't have time for a date if I asked to push it until later. I knit my brows in worry.

"I have to be somewhere soon," I spoke up, "But I would feel so bad to just leave you here."

Ryujin waved it off, "Let's just exchange numbers. I'm free tonight so I'll meet you somewhere."

Filled with relief, I gave her my number and thanked her for understanding. I made plans to meet her at the train station before I had to leave. My next stop was the cinema where Felix and I would watch a movie and have dinner afterward.

As I drew nearer to the cinema, I caught sight of him standing outside. He had dug his hands into his jeans, looking up at the sky. Wisps of his hair flitted from the passing cars.

"Felix!" I called, sending him a big wave. He turned, a grin tugging at his lips, and waved back.

"I was just looking at the sky," he pointed, "Since summer is ending the sunsets are arriving sooner. It's pretty."

Nodding, I slipped my hand into his, "It is. Let's hurry inside."

We bought some popcorn and drinks and found our seats. The movie soon started and I really enjoyed it. There were a few moments when I caught Felix zoning out so I gently squeezed his hand. I'm sure he had a lot on his mind with his busy schedule but I wanted this moment to be one where he could have a break.

I wondered if he would do well when and if he debuted. I knew he was very talented, and I hoped for the best. I had full confidence that he could overcome any hurdle he would face. It was a comfort to know that Jeongin would be by his side. At least they would have each other when I couldn't be there for either of them.

Eventually, the lights slowly turned on and I let out a yawn. I hadn't realized how tired I had become from my traveling. I looked over at Felix and smiled.

"I liked it."

He smiled back, "Me too. We should hurry and eat, I'll have to go soon."

"Alright," I said as we both stood and exited the room, tossing our trash away. "Where should we go?"

"There's a ramen shop not too far away from here," he suggested, "It's quick and tasty."

"Ramen sounds delicious."

We both strolled down the street, hand-in-hand, until we came across the ramen shop. It turned out to be a twenty-four-hour one — I had heard of them before but never been. The shop was empty when we entered but soft K-Pop ballads through a speaker gave some life.

"Pick what you would like," he glanced back at me, "I'll pay for it."

Once we had gotten our ramen, we took a seat by the window. I hummed cheerfully, blowing on the hot noodles. Ramen was very simple, but you could never go wrong with it.

"I'm sorry that I can't spend more time with you," Felix spoke, giving me an apologetic smile.

I brushed it off, "No, it's okay. I'm glad I got to see you — sooner than I planned, too. I'm still so pleasantly shocked that you both might debut together."

Felix chuckled, "It makes you that happy?"

Nodding, I inhaled a mouthful of ramen happily, "It makes me very happy. You have no idea. My two favorite people reaching their dreams together."

He stared at me for a moment, "I'm glad that you had a good friend when you were visiting your grandparents. Jeongin is a sweet kid."

"He's not that much younger than us."

"Well, you know how age works in Korea," Felix grinned, nudging me.

"That's fair."

The time that I had with him seemed to fly by as we spoke about the things each other had missed in the time we were apart. I also mentioned that I had run into a few other trainees that day but didn't go into great detail. I didn't want to make him anxious about any competition he may have in the future.

I wanted the best for him, truly.

Felix stood from the table, guilt crossing his face, "I have to go before it gets too late. I know you said it was alright, but I still feel bad."

Smiling, I stood also, "It is alright. I'll see you again when I can."

We threw our trash away and stopped by the door. The sky had darkened, both from the hour and the forecast. There was a calm silence before we bid our goodbyes, promising the other that we would see each other again soon. I watched from outside the ramen shop as Felix jogged down the street and out of sight.

Sighing, I already missed him. But I would have to catch my train soon so I texted Ryujin and told her I was heading toward the station now. I hailed a taxi which took me to the station. I thanked and paid the driver before turning to climb up the stairs.

There was a sudden flash of lightning, and thunder soon following after. Small raindrops fell from the sky and I stared up in amazement, palms upward. Thank goodness this had waited until the end of my day. Now I could listen to music and place bets on which raindrop would win on my window during the ride back to Busan.

"Eun Joo! Over here!" Ryujin called for me from the top of the steps, beaming and waving. A bag rested in her hands — presumably my clothes.

"It's raining!" I exclaimed.

She laughed, "I know. Here are your clothes and let's go inside."

I took the bag from her and we entered the station. We chatted while I waited for my train, deciding to message each other often as we were both interested in becoming friends now. When my train finally came, we said farewell and I boarded.

My departure felt like it might be the last, but I suspected that it was just me thinking the worst. I would find a way to come back, and besides, it couldn't be that difficult.