THE GIFTED | STRAY KIDS ✔

29

Chan knew something was off. He had eyes like a hawk and could sense when something was not in balance, and that was exactly the case. The dynamics of the team had shifted significantly, something he first noticed on Saturday.

He observed how Felix kept to himself most of the time, barely speaking to Jisung, and only responding when Hyunjin approached, but even that interaction was short-lived. Chan was sure Felix was hiding something.

That's why he found himself standing outside Felix's door, needing to speak with him. Chan gently knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Felix's voice called out. "Hyunjin?"

"It's me, Chan," he answered, clenching his fists slightly.

Felix invited him in, and Chan entered the room, finding Felix engrossed in drawing while sitting on his bed, still in his pajamas with slightly messy hair from training.

Felix greeted Chan with a bright smile, which made Chan feel warm and content.

"Hi, Channie hyung."

"Hey, Lix," Chan said as he took a seat beside him.

"What's up?"

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Chan began, moving a bit closer. "You've been a little... off lately."

Felix nervously chuckled, avoiding eye contact. "It's nothing, really. Just mood swings, I guess."

Chan wasn't convinced. "You sure it's just mood swings? You can talk to me, Felix. What's bothering you?"

"It's nothing, hyung. I'm fine, I swear!" Felix insisted.

Feeling defeated, Chan didn't want to push further. "Okay. Do you want anything to make you feel better? It's the least I can do."

Felix appreciated the offer. "You're too sweet, hyung. Yes, there is one thing I'd like, but I don't know if you could give me that."

"Whatever it is," Chan assured him. "I'll try my best to get it for you."

"Music," Felix replied, a small smile on his lips. "It's been ages since I last heard any music. I'd do anything to listen to some now. Perhaps my mood could brighten up."

"Hmm," Chan said. "Why didn't you say so before? I have just the thing."

Felix was surprised as Chan pulled out an old iPod from his pocket. Chan sat back down, showing the device to Felix.

"No way," Felix was speechless. "You sneaked that in?"

"Uh huh," Chan said. "I just had to. I can't live without this."

Felix was delighted. "Oh my God, I seriously didn't think you would do something like that. How did you not get caught?"

"I hid it really well," Chan chuckled. "Now, let me find the perfect song for you."

Chan focused on the tiny device, searching for the right song, while Felix watched curiously.