Deep End | Hyunlix

18

Felix and I.N followed the mysterious man through the gallery, the quiet hum of the elevator adding to the tension between them. Both were on edge, unsure what to expect next. The ride felt longer than it actually was, each ding and shift in the elevator only adding to their mounting uncertainty.

The elevator finally stopped, its doors opening to reveal large, wooden double doors. The man stepped out first and gestured for Felix and I.N to follow. I.N hesitated for a brief second, turning to Felix, who was already looking at him with a determined but apprehensive look. Felix nodded slightly, and they both stepped out, the elevator doors closing behind them with a soft hiss.

Felix felt a sense of finality wash over him as he walked through the door. There's no going back now, he thought. They entered a dimly lit, sleek office space. The room had a dark aesthetic, with a black leather couch and large windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Felix took in the surroundings, his eyes lingering on the view before they settled on the man in front of them.

He shouldn't have been surprised, but his cheeks flushed when his gaze landed on Hyunjin. There he was, sitting comfortably in the room as though he'd been expecting them all along. Felix couldn't deny the pull he felt toward the older man, his presence commanding and strangely soothing.

"Hello. Welcome," Hyunjin said, standing and walking toward them. His gaze flicked to I.N, his attention now divided. "Oh, hello. I don't think we've been introduced," he said, extending his hand toward I.N.

I.N hesitated before shaking it, taking in Hyunjin's appearance. He's even more attractive in person, I.N thought, trying to hide his surprise. As he looked over at Felix, he couldn't help but notice the older's flushed cheeks. I've never seen him like this, he thought, amused.

"Hello, I'm I.N," the younger introduced himself, still trying to gauge the situation.

"Hello there, Felix," Hyunjin smiled warmly at the older, his gaze lingering a little longer than necessary. "Come sit. Make yourselves comfortable," he said, gesturing to the couch.

Felix, still nervous but trying to keep his cool, cleared his throat. "Hello," he managed to say, still feeling the weight of Hyunjin's gaze. He took a seat beside I.N, who was still glancing between the two men.

"Did you lose my card?" Hyunjin asked, his voice playful as he leaned back in his chair. "I only ask because you should've told me you were coming. I could've given you an exclusive tour."

Felix's face turned a deeper shade of red. Of course he remembers the card, Felix thought. "Umm, no, we just happened to have some free time today," Felix mumbled, scratching the back of his neck. "Plus, I didn't want to bother you."

Hyunjin chuckled softly. "It wouldn't have been any bother. I gave you my card expecting a call, but maybe I should've just asked for your number instead so you can't avoid me." He stood up and walked over to Felix, extending his hand. Felix's eyes widened in surprise. What is he doing?

Hyunjin smiled knowingly. "Your phone," he said calmly.

Felix's heart skipped a beat. He felt both embarrassed and flustered, and he knew that I.N would never let him live this down once they were out of here. Reluctantly, Felix unlocked his phone and handed it over to Hyunjin. He watched as the older man typed something on it before handing it back.

A soft ding went off, and Felix's eyes darted to the desk where he noticed a phone lighting up. Wait... Felix's thoughts paused when he realized that the notification came from Hyunjin's phone. His heart raced, realizing what had just happened.

"There. Now you have my number, and I have yours," Hyunjin said smoothly, sitting back down across from Felix.

I.N was doing his best to stifle his laughter, clearly amused by the situation. Felix, flushed with embarrassment, glanced at the younger, who was smiling mischievously. Felix rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. I'll never hear the end of this, he thought.

"So, what did you think of the exhibit so far?" Hyunjin asked, his gaze intense but calm. "Did you get to see the new piece?"

Felix nodded, trying to focus on the conversation and not the lingering tension in the air. "We were looking at the piece when we were summoned here."

"And what did you think?" Hyunjin pressed, his voice low and teasing.

Felix hesitated, his thoughts drifting back to the piece. The abstract artwork was powerful, but something about it unsettled him. It felt... personal. He glanced over at I.N, who had mentioned before that it looked like him. There's no way it's supposed to resemble me, Felix thought, but there was a nagging feeling that wouldn't leave.

Felix looked back at Hyunjin, locking eyes with him. The older man's expression seemed to shift, his gaze turning more intense. What is he thinking? Felix wondered. He couldn't quite decipher it, but it left him feeling both curious and uneasy.

"Your pieces are beautiful," Felix said, his voice steady, but his heart was still racing. "They show such raw emotion and are breathtaking to look at."

"And the new piece?" Hyunjin asked, leaning forward, his voice smooth and enticing. "What did you think of that?"

Felix swallowed, trying to focus. "It's beautiful. I couldn't stop looking at it."

Hyunjin's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Well, I was inspired by something beautiful."

Felix's face turned bright red, and he felt an inexplicable shiver run down his spine. Is he implying what I think he is? Felix thought, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything. "Oh," he whispered, unsure how to respond.

The silence between them stretched for a moment, and Felix found himself feeling more flustered than he ever had in a while. He tried to steady his thoughts, but everything about this meeting, the man, the art, and the atmosphere. was making him feel more unsettled than he had in a long time.

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1016 words