THE GIFTED | STRAY KIDS ✔

13

Felix had been simultaneously dreading and anticipating this day. Weeks of rigorous training had prepared him, but the moment felt too abrupt. A month had flown by, and their tight-knit group of eight had grown closer than ever. They had formed an exceptional team, and Felix couldn't deny that fact.

Today marked the long-awaited confrontation with the city's menacing villains. Finally, they had a chance to begin putting an end to their reign of terror. However, the risks and dangers involved were undeniable.

"What's on your mind?" Hyunjin's voice startled Felix slightly. They had been sitting on Hyunjin's balcony, enjoying a quiet moment while sipping coffee.

This space had become their personal sanctuary. Felix cherished it, and so did Hyunjin. It was their secret retreat, where they spent hours during their free time and breaks.

Hyunjin had become intimately familiar with Felix's personality. He knew his likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. However, Felix's painful past remained a mystery that Hyunjin didn't want to force him to reveal.

Felix found solace in Hyunjin's presence. Something about him calmed Felix's every nerve. Whenever faced with a group task or a training session, Felix instinctively sought out Hyunjin. And Hyunjin, unable to resist Felix's sweet nature, always obliged.

Felix was naturally affectionate, expressing himself through touch and actions. He sensed a slight hesitation from Hyunjin when it came to physical intimacy, so he refrained from touching him too much.

Instead, Felix found comfort in Jisung's embrace. Jisung adored physical affection, and Felix often cuddled with him on the couch during movie nights. They hugged and held hands frequently, purely platonically. Felix saw Jisung as his twin, his brother, and their closely shared birthday only reinforced this bond.

"Just thinking about today," Felix replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "In a few hours, we'll be fighting those criminals."

Hyunjin sighed and responded, "It was inevitable. This is why we were brought here."

"But aren't you scared?" Fear resonated in Felix's voice.

"Very," Hyunjin admitted, looking at Felix. "Seeing them and possibly having to manipulate their minds will take a toll on me."

"It's just frustrating that I can't be there with you," Felix said softly, gazing down at his feet. "Just because I'm not as skilled in combat as the others. They've confined me to the van."

"At least you'll be safe," Hyunjin replied, his gaze softening as he admired the way the wind played with Felix's hair and the way the sunlight danced in his eyes. But he couldn't ignore the sadness behind Felix's orbs.

"But you won't be," Felix choked back tears as he met Hyunjin's gaze. "Hyunjin, I can't bear to lose you too."

Felix's admission caught him off guard, and his eyes widened with realization. He had unintentionally revealed something he shouldn't have said.

"Felix," Hyunjin called out, deeply concerned. "Who have you already lost? What do you mean you don't want to lose me, too?"