Restart / Changlix

Part 40

Felix and Changbin were enjoying a beautiful day at the weekend house, basking in the sun by the swimming pool, their bodies entwined. The sun was still high in the sky, and they had several hours before they needed to head home.

Felix, with a serious tone, asked, "Changbin, what do you think is the appropriate amount of time after dating that people can move in together?"

Changbin looked thoughtful before answering, "Felix, why are you thinking about that? You're only 18 years old, extremely handsome, and wealthy. Why would you want to move in with me? You'd be depriving yourself of so much fun."

Felix replied earnestly, "I don't care. Life isn't just about fun. I feel that if you let me be with you, we can spend our entire lives together and be happy. Maybe I'm too young to make such a declaration, but that's how I feel. I don't want to get married or have kids tomorrow, but I really want to wake up next to you and see you every day."

Changbin hesitated, not wanting to say what was on his mind, but he finally spoke up, "I think one day you'll realize who I am and break up with me."

Felix became irritated, "And who are you?"

Changbin explained, "I'm a guy with an uncertain future and limited means. I can't give you everything you deserve."

Felix sat up abruptly, visibly upset, "So you think I deserve to beg you to be with me?"

Changbin quickly replied, "That's not what I said."

Felix responded passionately, "But that's what you're implying! If you think I deserve so much, maybe I deserve to be with the person I love without fearing that they'll leave me?"

Changbin sat up as well and said, "Felix, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just telling you how I feel. I've been driving your car, practically living in your house, I haven't taken you on any fancy dates, and I haven't bought you anything. I just don't have the money for that, and it makes me feel inadequate. You mentioned wanting to meet my family, but I can't imagine you in that environment. We come from such different worlds. My family lives in a small house with four people crammed into one room. We only got central heating last year, and before that, we used a stove for warmth. How could you be comfortable there?"

Felix's expression softened a bit, "Let me decide that for myself. You should tell me how you feel, and I'll decide how I feel. Right? That's how healthy relationships work."

Changbin agreed, "You're right. But tell me, how would you feel if your parents found out about me? Would you be able to introduce me to them without feeling ashamed? They might be against our relationship."

Felix shook his head, "You're so silly, Changbin."

Felix took out his phone and quickly found his mom's contact, calling her through FaceTime. Changbin couldn't stop him in time, and she answered after just a second.

Felix said, "Hi, mom."

The front camera was on him, so Changbin wasn't visible.

Mom replied, "Hi sweetie."

Felix continued, "Changbin said he's not good enough for me because he's from a poor family."

Mom responded, "Tell him that's for you to decide."

Felix added, "He thinks you'll be against our relationship because we come from different worlds."

Mom reassured them, "We don't care about that. The main thing for us is your happiness. As long as you feel good in this relationship, we approve of it."

She then addressed Changbin directly, "Changbin, I know you can hear me. Please take care of our treasure. And please don't make him worry about you leaving him at any minute. I don't want him to be stressed."