perfect actors|| hyunlix ❀

Chapter 3

The cab ride to Hyunjin's apartment felt like the longest journey of Felix's life. Arranged marriages were rare these days, but both their families were absolute madmen for agreeing to sell their sons for profit. Shaking off those thoughts, Felix stared out the window, watching the cityscape blur by, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach.

The cab soon came to a halt, breaking Felix from his daydreams. He thanked the driver and entered the building, pressing the button for floor "143" — ironic, he thought.

When Felix walked into the apartment, he found Hyunjin chilling on the couch.

"Umm, hi..." Felix broke the silence, which caught Hyunjin's attention.

"Mm..." Hyunjin took a second glance, then motioned for one of his maids to take Felix's luggage to his room.

"Not to be rude, but why were you so eager to move in?" Hyunjin asked, raising a brow. Felix froze, caught off guard by the bluntness. His heart raced, his mind scrambling for words. "U-um, well..." he stammered. "I guess... I thought it would be nice to, you know, start fresh?"

Hyunjin's eyebrow lifted, clearly unconvinced. "Start fresh? Or escape something?" His tone was casual, but there was an intensity to it that made Felix squirm.

Felix looked down, focusing on the plush carpet underfoot. "Maybe a bit of both?" he admitted, the honesty slipping out unexpectedly.

Hyunjin let out a brief chuckle, a mix of surprise and recognition. "We're stuck in the same boat, Felix. So don't lie to yourself, or to me," he said, leaning back on the couch. "Our families think this is some grand business deal, but we're just... stuck. That said, you'll have your freedom, and I'll have mine. Doesn't mean we can ignore each other, though. Let's at least try to understand each other. Go check out your bedroom."

"Yeah, sure..." Felix felt oddly comforted by the straightforwardness. "It's like we don't really have a choice, do we?" he murmured, following the maid down the hall.

"Not unless we want to face the consequences," Hyunjin replied, shrugging as if the weight of it all barely touched him. "Just a heads-up, though—don't be too sensitive. I'm terrible at comforting people."

Felix glanced back, surprised by the glimmer of optimism in Hyunjin's tone. "Make the best of it?" he echoed, still half in disbelief. Arranged marriage and family politics — finding a silver lining seemed impossible.

"Sure," Hyunjin added, smirking. "Besides, I need some entertainment. I drafted a 'how we met' script for the love show; it's on the table."

Felix smiled despite himself, the tension between them easing. As he settled into his bedroom, Hyunjin followed him in.

"This place will depend on your fashion sense," Hyunjin teased, plopping down on Felix's bed. But before Felix could protest, Hyunjin's gaze landed on his suitcase, where two small plush ears peeked out. "You might want to control some habits," he remarked.

"It's not a pet, it's a plushie," Felix clarified, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Exactly that."

Felix laughed, the sound bubbling up unexpectedly. It felt good to let go, if only for a moment. "Okay, deal. But mind your habits around me too — especially the flirting. I've heard way too many rumors."

"Noted. But I make no promises," Hyunjin replied with a cheeky grin. "Flirting comes naturally, and I don't make promises I can't keep. Those are non-negotiable."

Felix smacked Hyunjin's arm, making him hop up and retreat from the bed. Felix took the spot Hyunjin had just vacated. "Why are those non-negotiable?" Felix challenged, an innocent smile fading into a glare.

"Because you're my husband," Hyunjin said with a wink. But before the words settled, he was hit with a sharp, "Get out."

"Just when I thought we were making progress," Hyunjin scoffed, heading for the door. "Don't think you're the only one making an effort here, darling. If you lay around lazy, I won't hesitate to announce our divorce." He shut the door with a loud thud.

Felix smiled foolishly to himself. Who knew he was a softie at heart? But maybe I shouldn't get too comfortable with him...