Deep End | Hyunlix

23

Felix looked down at the sketch in his hands, unable to shake the feeling that the portrait before him resembled him more than he'd expected. His heart-shaped lips, the freckle just beneath his eye, everything was captured with startling accuracy. He looked up at Hyunjin, his curiosity piqued, and asked quietly, "What do you want from me?"

Hyunjin finally met his gaze, his voice soft but steady. "I... I just want to get to know you," he confessed, a slight hesitation in his words. He then added, almost shyly, "And I'd love it if you'd sit for me while I paint you."

Felix couldn't help but smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And what do I get in return for sitting for you?" he teased, leaning in slightly.

Hyunjin was caught off guard by Felix's playful tone, his face flushing as he smirked back. "Well, what do you want?" he asked, stepping a little closer to the younger man.

Felix felt his heartbeat quicken at the proximity. He put the drawing down, standing up and closing the space between them. "Hmm... I'll have to get back to you on that," he teased with a smile, glancing down at Hyunjin's lips before meeting his eyes. He stepped back, his heart racing. "Where do you want me?" he asked, feeling a slight blush creeping onto his face.

Hyunjin let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He cleared his throat, forcing his thoughts back into focus. He's even more captivating than I thought. I need to be careful with him, he thought to himself. "Uh, why don't we head over there?" Hyunjin gestured to the empty side of the warehouse. "We can get started there."

Felix nodded, his nerves a little frazzled but also excited. He followed Hyunjin, who grabbed a stool along the way. Felix stopped in the middle of the open space and turned around to look at Hyunjin, who was preparing a canvas.

"Just relax for a moment," Hyunjin instructed as he grabbed his brushes and paints from a nearby desk. "I need to set everything up."

Felix leaned against the stool and watched Hyunjin prepare his materials. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how effortlessly the older man moved.

"Wait... you're using color?" Felix asked, surprised when he saw Hyunjin add vibrant paints to his palette.

Hyunjin looked up at him with a smile. "You're too vibrant to use dull colors," he said, his smirk playful as he noticed the shocked look on Felix's face. He went back to mixing the paints, feeling a warmth spread through him at the compliment.

Felix's cheeks flushed from the unexpected words, but he quickly turned away to distract himself, walking around the space and stopping to admire other pieces. He found himself captivated by the emotion that seemed to seep from every canvas.

"Where do you get your inspiration from?" Felix asked, picking up one of the paintings.

Hyunjin moved closer, his voice thoughtful as he answered. "It depends. Sometimes I'm trying to evoke a feeling, other times I just let my emotions take over and put them into the work."

Felix turned back to face Hyunjin, curiosity still flickering in his eyes. "And this one?" he asked, pointing to the painting in his hands.

Hyunjin stared at it for a moment, lost in thought. "That's from a long time ago," he said quietly, taking the painting from Felix's hands. He set it down gently and looked back at him. "I'm ready for you, if you're ready."

Felix was about to ask more about the painting but decided to leave it for now. He nodded and followed Hyunjin back to the stool. As he sat down, he waited for further instructions.

"Can I?" Hyunjin lifted a hand, signaling that he wanted to adjust Felix's posture.

Felix nodded, his heart racing. He watched as Hyunjin hesitated before touching his wrist. Felix flinched slightly from the coldness of his touch, and Hyunjin immediately pulled his hand back.

"Did I...?" Hyunjin asked, clearly concerned.

"No, sorry. I didn't expect your hands to be so cold, is all," Felix murmured, a little embarrassed by his reaction.

Hyunjin's face flushed as he mumbled, "My fingers tend to get cold sometimes."

Felix smiled gently. "It's okay. I don't mind," he said, his tone soft.

Hyunjin's blush deepened, and he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. He clasped his hands behind his back and turned back to Felix. "Can you bring your right foot up onto the footrest, and leave your left on the floor? You can put your hands wherever it feels natural."

Felix moved into position, feeling the weight of Hyunjin's gaze on him. He felt the tension between them, thick and palpable. Hyunjin continued to stare at him, his gaze not leaving the younger even as he walked to the canvas.

"Ready?" Hyunjin asked, his voice low. Felix nodded, trying to steady his breath.

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