Deep End | Hyunlix

10

Felix's body was heavy with exhaustion, each movement sending a new wave of pain through him, though he was surprised at how little it hurt. He blinked several times, trying to focus as he adjusted to the harsh lights above him. The memories of everything that had happened flooded back in an overwhelming rush. His stomach churned as he processed where he was now, and he instinctively moved to sit up, realizing his hands were still cuffed together, but at least they weren't chained to the wall anymore. He looked around, confused by the unfamiliar room, but he could tell he wasn't in the same place.

Am I in a different room? he wondered, his thoughts racing. He noticed subtle differences in the surroundings: a more comfortable bed, though still bare. His heart skipped a beat as he began to consider just how much had changed since he last regained consciousness.

The door creaked open, and Felix flinched instinctively, watching as the tall man entered with a tray of food. They locked eyes for a moment before the man placed the tray down on the bed beside him. Felix instinctively pulled away from the man's proximity, but he didn't speak.

"You should eat," the man said, leaning against the wall near the door, observing Felix closely.

Felix's voice was rough as he spoke, a hoarse rasp that matched the discomfort in his chest. "Why am I here?"

The man sighed, clearly annoyed. "Just eat."

Felix's anger flared. "What do you want with us?" He ignored the command, choosing instead to press for answers.

The man didn't answer directly but pushed off from the wall with a slight motion, as if brushing aside Felix's question. "If you want to starve, be my guest."

Felix opened his mouth to protest further, but his stomach betrayed him with an almost comical growl. He winced, flushing with embarrassment as he realized he couldn't ignore the need for food. He knew the man would probably smirk, even though his face remained hidden.

The man leaned back against the wall with an amused chuckle. "Guess you are hungry after all."

Felix didn't respond, his face reddening even more as he turned to the food. He stared at it for a few moments before reluctantly reaching for a piece of bread. His stomach churned with hunger, but he hesitated before taking the first bite.

"It's just normal food. We didn't tamper with it, if that's what you're worried about," the man added, as though sensing Felix's unease.

Felix's mind was still racing. How does he read me so well? he thought, but his body couldn't resist the temptation. He took a bite, and the taste was so unexpectedly good, he almost moaned from the relief. He couldn't remember the last time he had food, and he stuffed the rest of the bread into his mouth. He picked up the other piece of bread without thinking, the hunger finally getting the better of him.

The man's low chuckle made Felix pause, and he realized just how eager he must have looked. He blushed, feeling embarrassed as he quickly ducked his head, finishing the rest of the bread before reaching for a piece of chicken. He stopped, though, his hand hovering over it. His mind raced with questions.

"Can you at least tell me if the others are still alive?" he asked, his voice quiet, yet full of urgency.

The man didn't answer immediately. His gaze remained neutral, though Felix noticed the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "I don't know."

Felix's chest tightened, and for a moment, he couldn't breathe. The pit in his stomach deepened. His heart began to race as panic set in, and he placed the chicken down slowly, leaning forward, trying to steady his breathing. The room felt smaller, the air thinner, and he braced himself against his knees, fighting the overwhelming feeling that was quickly consuming him.

The man moved without hesitation, walking toward him and gently placing a hand on his back. Felix flinched at the contact, but the man didn't withdraw, and his hand remained there, rubbing in slow circles as if trying to calm him down. Felix fought the urge to pull away. He didn't understand why this man this person who had captured him, was showing him such unexpected kindness.

"Deep breaths," the man's voice was soft now, a quiet command meant to help Felix calm himself.

Felix closed his eyes, struggling to follow the man's instructions. His breath came in shaky gasps, but after a few moments, the tension started to ease, and his heartbeat slowed. Slowly, the anxiety that had gripped him began to fade, leaving only the exhaustion in its place.

"Th-thank you," Felix whispered, his voice raw. He wiped at his face, realizing with shock that he had been crying without even noticing. He didn't know why the man had helped him, but the warmth of his touch had eased some of the terror, even though Felix's mind still spun with confusion.

The man didn't respond. He simply walked back to lean against the wall, his eyes never leaving Felix. Felix couldn't take it anymore; the discomfort in his chest, the confusion in his mind, and the vulnerability of the situation, it all overwhelmed him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was trapped, that he couldn't escape.

Felix glanced down at the plate, his stomach still churning despite the food. He pushed the tray away, leaning back against the wall as exhaustion overtook him. His mind was spinning, and the man's gaze still weighed heavily on him. Felix closed his eyes, hoping the quiet would help ease the overwhelming pressure.

Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "So, are you going to kill me now?"

The words were bitter, laced with the hopelessness that had settled in his heart. He didn't know if he expected an answer, but he couldn't keep the question inside any longer. Felix had no idea what the man wanted from him, and with the uncertainty clouding his thoughts, the only thing left to ask was whether he would survive this or not.

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1026 words