Different Timezones /Hyunlix/

37 - Temptations

What is Felix doing now? This question is running on a repeat in Hyunjin's head.

It's middle of the night in Paris.
Just like it was when they met.
Is he at the reception desk?
Did some single guest come down to the lobby and ask for food? If some unknown guy ends up at his apartment, his bed, Hyunjin would never know about it.
It would be like it didn't happen, a moment in time. Something that took place in another country, between 2 am and 3 am. A stranger would leave, Felix would wash off his scent, and go back to his life like it never happened.
It's not like casual affairs are unheard of in France.

Hyunjin leans to the wall and slides down. He spreads his long legs on the floor and tries to calm down.

- Hey, what a surprise! - Felix happily responds to a sudden phone call from Hyunjin.

- Hi. I have to talk to you. I miss you. Come to Seoul.

- Hyunjin, are you ok?

- No, I'm not. You should be here.

- Did something happen?

- I just hate this distance, and not seeing you for months. It's a little crisis, yes.

- I miss you too. I've been looking at possible job openings in Seoul, but all jobs require knowledge of Korean, and even applications are —

- You don't need to work, just be here with me.

- Oh but I don't want to completely depend on you, or just sit at home all day. I looked at English teaching jobs but I'm not a certified language teacher...

- When can you come?

- Ok, seriously. What's going on?

- Promise me you won't freak out. I just want to be completely honest with you.

- Ok.

- There are... temptations. When you're not here for so long, my mind plays tricks on me. I start thinking who knows what Felix is doing now, and then there are opportunities... you know... I just need you here all the time.

- Hyunjin, I don't think you're a saint.
I get it. Right now, we're at a peak of a season, I can't leave. Do you think you could come here for a short visit?

- I guess.

- Ok. Hyunjin... if you happen to have an affair, I don't want to know.

- I won't.

- You don't know that. Just... such things is better not to tell.

- Felix...

- Hey, I have to go now. Come here as soon as you can. You still have the key?

- Of course.

- Good. Bye now! - Felix ends the call abruptly and doesn't wait for Hyunjin's response.

Hyunjin wanted to hear 'love you' or maybe say something but the call already ended.

He calls his assistant, and ask him to get a ticket to Paris. A secret trip with no security, no press, no manager.

"Why the hotel always comes first? Why is the high season so important that Felix can't call from time to time?
It's not like he doesn't have my number.
And he wouldn't even have my number if I didn't call the hotel over and over, and then looked him up. None of this would have happened if it was just up to Felix. Not the first encounter, second, third.. none of it.
Why did he have to end the call so quickly? What is more important now?
If there's something happening in Paris, why didn't he say something?

Is he with someone?"

*****