The elemental bonds [ DISCONTINUED ⚠️]

Ch-6 "The Dual Mansions"

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Minho couldn't shake the feeling of unease creeping over him. Nausea gnawed at his stomach, and a sense of dizziness clouded his thoughts. He stumbled, his steps faltering as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Hyunjin and Chan, walking ahead, noticed Minho's distress and turned back, concern etched on their faces. "Minho hyung, are you okay?" Hyunjin asked, worry lacing his voice.

Minho forced a smile, attempting to brush off his symptoms. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit tired and hungry," he replied, his voice strained.

Felix, sensing something amiss, approached Minho with a furrowed brow. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his tone gentle yet insistent.

Minho hesitated, the urge to confide in Felix warring with his desire to maintain a facade of strength. But as Felix's concerned gaze bore into him, he found himself unable to hide the truth any longer. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel... off."

Felix nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic. "It's okay, hyung" he reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll take it slow and make sure you're alright."

Minho's heart swelled with gratitude at Felix's understanding and support. With Felix by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness threatening to consume him. As they continued their journey, Minho clung to that hope, trusting in Felix to guide him through the shadows.

As Minho struggled to maintain his balance, Felix stepped closer, his movements fluid and instinctive. With a tender smile, he reached out and gently took Minho's hand in his own, offering silent reassurance and support.

Minho's breath caught in his throat at the unexpected gesture, his heart swelling with gratitude for Felix's unwavering kindness. Despite the darkness closing in around him, the warmth of Felix's touch filled him with a sense of comfort and security.

With Felix by his side, Minho felt a renewed sense of strength coursing through him. As they continued their journey, his steps steadied, guided by the steady rhythm of Felix's heartbeat echoing through their intertwined fingers.

Together, they ventured deeper into the woods, Minho drawing strength from Felix's steadfast presence by his side. Minho smiled and  felt comfortable around someone other than Hyunjin after that incident  , he thought to himself Felix would always be there to protect him like a protective little brother.

After what felt like an eternity of winding through the forest, they finally emerged at the front of Chan's and Felix's cave house. The air was tinged with the scent of pine and earth, and the distant chirping of crickets added to the tranquil atmosphere. It was nearing dusk, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon.

As they approached the entrance, Minho and Hyunjin were met with a sight that left them speechless. Before them stood not one, but two magnificent structures. The first, a sprawling beige mansion, exuded warmth with its softly lit windows and inviting aura. The second, a sleek grey building perched on a higher platform, emanated an air of mystery with its stark silhouette against the fading light.

Hyunjin's jaw dropped in disbelief. "You said cave house, you didn't mention damn palaces," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe.

Chan chuckled, stepping forward to welcome them. "Welcome home, Jinnie," he said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Felix nodded in agreement, his expression serene yet welcoming. "Indeed, feel free to make yourselves at home," he added, unlocking the front door of the beige mansion. "We have plenty of space, and tomorrow, the cleaners will ensure everything is in order."