Deep End | Hyunlix

22

Felix paced around his apartment, glancing nervously at the clock. He hadn't been here in months, he'd been staying at the compound most of the time since he was taken. It felt strange being back in his own space again. He absentmindedly picked up a few of his dead plants, hoping to bring them back to life with some water. The clock beeped, signaling it was now six-thirty. Felix took the plants over to the windowsill, wiping the dust off the ledge before setting them down. They'll be okay here, he thought, trying to distract himself from what was about to happen. Why am I so nervous? he asked himself. Is this a date?

His hands grew clammy, and he swallowed hard, anxiety creeping up on him.

The doorbell rang, snapping Felix out of his thoughts. He checked the time again, six-forty. He's early, Felix thought, walking over to the door. He quickly glanced around his apartment to make sure everything looked fine before opening it.

"Hello," Hyunjin greeted him, standing at the threshold with a confident smile.

Felix couldn't help but let his gaze wander over the older man. He looks so good, Felix thought, noticing the way Hyunjin's white button-up shirt was rolled up to his elbows, revealing tattoos on both arms. I wonder what his tattoos are, Felix thought distractedly.

"Hello," Felix finally managed to say, still a little taken aback by how good the other looked.

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, before Felix realized he was staring. "Umm, are you ready to leave?"

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow with a teasing smile. "What, I don't get to come in?"

Felix's eyes widened at the older's forwardness. "Oh, um..."

"I'm just teasing. If you're ready, we can go," Hyunjin smirked, amused by Felix's reaction.

Felix flushed slightly, shaking his head. He stepped back, leaving the door ajar as he grabbed his keys and phone from the kitchen counter. "After you."

Hyunjin led the way down the hallway toward the elevator, and Felix followed, his nerves still buzzing. They waited in silence for the elevator to arrive, the tension in the air palpable. Felix stood on one side of the elevator, Hyunjin on the other. As the doors closed, they both stood silently, Felix's mind racing with thoughts he didn't know how to process.

The elevator dinged and they exited on the garage floor. Hyunjin led them to his car, and Felix couldn't help but notice how naturally they moved together.

"So, you never told me where we're going," Felix said, breaking the silence as they reached the car.

Hyunjin looked over at him with a playful glint in his eyes. "You'll see," he said, winking at Felix before getting into the car.

Felix hesitated for a moment, wondering if maybe this wasn't the best idea, but he pushed the thought away and climbed into the car. The engine roared to life and they sped out of the garage, merging onto the highway.

"You look really nice, by the way," Hyunjin finally said, glancing over at Felix.

Felix felt a blush creep up his neck. "So do you," he said, glancing out the window at the passing lights, trying to steady his nerves.

Hyunjin chuckled, his eyes back on the road. "So, tell me about yourself. I know you work for the city. What do you do exactly?"

Felix hesitated, trying to decide how much to share. I'm not even sure who he really is, he thought. He wasn't sure how much he could trust the man, but he didn't want to lie. "I work for a small contract firm. We do a lot of miscellaneous jobs. Nothing too exciting," he said, sticking to the truth, but leaving out the details.

"That sounds like it keeps you busy," Hyunjin said with a soft smile.

"You could say that. What about you?" Felix asked, turning the conversation back to him. "I know you own your gallery, but do you do anything else?"

Hyunjin shrugged. "I support a few small businesses, but it's mainly just the gallery."

Felix nodded, watching the older man as he spoke. "How long have you had your gallery?"

"It's been about five years now," Hyunjin answered.

"That's impressive. You're very talented. Your pieces are beautiful."

Hyunjin blushed at the compliment, clearing his throat to regain composure. "Umm... thanks," he said, his voice a little quieter than usual.

Felix couldn't help but smile. He's cute when he blushes, he thought, his heart skipping a beat.

"Have you always wanted to be an artist?" Felix asked, his curiosity piqued.

Hyunjin nodded. "Since I was a child, it's been my dream. I guess I just got lucky along the way."

Felix studied him for a moment, then asked, "And your parents? Are they proud of their accomplished artist son?"

The air seemed to shift around them as Hyunjin's expression darkened. His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I don't know. My parents aren't in my life," he said shortly.

Felix winced, realizing he'd touched a sore subject. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Hyunjin said quickly, his voice quieter now. "I just... I never really knew them."

Felix nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation. He, too, had lost his parents at a young age and could understand the emptiness that came from that loss. He looked out the window, seeing the exit for Incheon approaching. What's in Incheon? he thought.

"What's in Incheon?" Felix asked, glancing back at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin gave him a sideways glance. "We're almost there. You'll see."

Felix didn't press further, but as they drove, he noticed the tension in his chest tightening. They arrived at a lone warehouse, and Felix's heart started to race.

"What are we doing here?" Felix asked, feeling a rush of anxiety. "You're not kidnapping me, are you?" He let out a nervous laugh, trying to defuse the tension.

Hyunjin chuckled, "Don't worry. It's nothing like that." He parked the car and got out, waiting for Felix to follow.

Felix hesitated, then finally got out of the car, following Hyunjin to the door. He felt a strange sense of unease wash over him as Hyunjin unlocked it and stepped inside. Felix followed cautiously, taking in the dimly lit space around him.

Hyunjin closed the door behind them and turned to face him. "So, what do you think?" he asked, his gaze intense.

Felix's eyes widened as he looked around. "Is this... is this all yours?"

Hyunjin nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yeah, these are all the pieces that didn't make the cut. They stay here until I create something new."

Felix stepped closer to the pile of paintings and sketches, his breath catching in his throat. He knelt down, drawn to one in particular. It looked oddly familiar. Is this me? he thought, his fingers lightly grazing the surface of the painting.

He turned to Hyunjin. "Who is this?"

Hyunjin's gaze softened, but he didn't answer immediately. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "They're... of you."

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