Deep End | Hyunlix

13

Felix lay still, the weight of everything that had happened pressing heavily on him. His body felt like it was made of lead, the exhaustion and physical toll of his time in captivity overwhelming. His body still ached, but his mind was quieter now, the constant noise of fear and confusion fading as he slept. It had been three days since they rescued him, and while he had been mostly unconscious, Chan had barely left his side. He couldn't seem to tear himself away, not until he was sure Felix was out of harm's way.

Chan sat next to Felix's bed, his eyes tracing over the younger's peaceful face. It was still hard to believe that Felix was back, still breathing, after everything he'd endured. He had been prepared for the worst when they went to rescue him, and he had feared the day would come when he would find Felix's lifeless body. But seeing Felix there, alive, it still didn't feel real. His hand trembled slightly as he reached out, brushing his fingers against Felix's cheek. He was warm, alive, but there was a fragile air about him that made Chan's heart ache.

"How's he doing?" Han's voice pulled Chan from his thoughts. He stood in the doorway, his face drawn with the weariness of the last few days.

Chan pulled his hand back to his side, turning to meet Han's gaze. "He seems to be sleeping easier today."

Han stepped closer, his gaze shifting to Felix's form. "Has he said anything about what happened?"

Chan shook his head, his thoughts returning to the grim sight of Felix when they found him. The younger had been barely clothed, covered in bruises, with clear handprints on his skin. It had been hard to look at. The thought made Chan's chest tighten, but he pushed it down, not wanting to dwell on it any longer.

"It's a miracle that we found him," Chan whispered, more to himself than Han.

Han's face grew darker, his eyes lingering on Felix. He couldn't imagine what their friend had gone through. The thought of Felix being dead, something they had come so close to accepting, still haunted him. He walked closer to the bed, stopping at the foot. Felix looked so young, so fragile, lying there so peacefully. Han's stomach twisted, and he couldn't help but wonder how much more the younger could take.

"He'll be okay?" Chan's voice was quiet, uncertain. It was clear he was asking himself just as much as he was asking Han.

Han gently placed a hand on Chan's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "He will be. He has us. We'll be okay." Han's words were just as much for himself as they were for Chan, trying to reassure both of them that they could get through this. Chan nodded, taking comfort in those words, but he was still shaken.

Han gave Chan a small, weary smile. "Why don't you get some rest? I'll keep an eye on him."

Chan hesitated for a moment, then sighed. He couldn't argue with that. His body was telling him to rest, and he knew he wouldn't be of any use if he didn't take a break. With one last look at Felix, he slowly got up and walked out of the room, heading toward his own room. As soon as he hit the bed, he collapsed, letting the exhaustion overtake him. He closed his eyes, letting sleep consume him, not sure when the next time he'd be able to rest would come.

Han sat down where Chan had just been, his gaze never leaving Felix. His heart ached for their leader, for their friend. He couldn't imagine the horrors Felix had experienced. He thought back to when they'd rescued him, how terrified they had been to burst through that door, expecting an ambush, but instead finding a barely-dressed Felix, holding a hanger as a weapon. It had taken all of them by surprise. They had frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do.

He remembered the shock and relief flooding through him when they realized it was really Felix, alive. His mind flashed back to the moment they'd finally gotten him out of that room, helping him walk despite his shaky legs, their concern obvious as they did everything they could to make sure he was okay.

I.N's voice had crackled through their earpieces, making him jump, forgetting that they were still communicating.

"Did you get him?" I.N had asked, his voice filled with tension.

Chan cleared his throat before answering, his voice strained with emotion. "We got him, and we're coming home."

Seungmin had rushed up to Felix first, pulling him into a tight hug, giving him a quick once-over. "Can you walk?"

Felix had bitten his lip, trying to hide his exhaustion, but it was clear he was still weak. "I-I'm a bit shaky. I'm not sure how long I've been out for this time..."

Han had been inspecting the room for any signs of what had happened, his mind racing with questions. No one had questioned Felix's lack of clothing. They had simply moved, focusing on getting him out of there as quickly as possible.

"We should hurry just in case someone decides to come back," Chan had said, walking over to Felix and gently putting an arm around him for support. "Lean on me, and we'll get out of here."

Felix had nodded, and together, they had moved cautiously through the doors, prepared for whatever might come next.

Once they were safely in the elevator, the atmosphere had been tense, but Felix had been doing his best to hold himself together, despite his exhaustion.

"Are you okay?" Chan had whispered, his hand steady on Felix's waist, feeling the younger's ribs under his fingers. The reality of how fragile Felix was in that moment hit him hard.

"Y-yes," Felix had whispered back, his breaths shallow. "Sorry, I just don't have a lot of energy."

Seungmin had given him a reassuring smile, trying to ease some of the tension. "Don't apologize. We'll be out of here soon."

The elevator had reached the garage, and with one final check to make sure the coast was clear, they had gotten into the van. Han had been at the wheel, his eyes focused on the road as he took them back to the compound.

Back in the present, Han sat beside Felix, his thoughts returning to the difficult journey they had been on. His gaze lingered on the younger's sleeping form, filled with worry. He couldn't shake the questions running through his mind. What happened to Felix? Would he ever be the same again?

Han's heart was heavy, but he knew that, with time, Felix would heal. He just had to be there for him just like they all did. Felix wasn't alone anymore. He had them.

"Felix," Han whispered softly, his voice barely audible. "What happened to you? Will you ever tell us?"

The questions were left unanswered as Felix remained still, his breathing steady in his sleep, his friends beside him, determined to help him heal and piece together the pieces of his shattered life.

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