perfect actors|| hyunlix ❀

chapter 8

Hyunjin stumbled through the door, feeling like a deflated balloon after a long day on set. The bright studio lights had been replaced by the much softer glow of his apartment, and he welcomed the change. At least he didn't have to deal with ridiculous outfits or pretend to enjoy the company of people he barely knew. He dropped his bag with a satisfying thud, the sound echoing in the quiet space, and headed straight for the kitchen, drawn by the delicious smell of something cooking.

There, standing at the stove, was Felix, looking like a domestic dream. His sleeves were rolled up, showing off his toned arms as he stirred something in a pot. He was humming a tune that Hyunjin found annoying, completely oblivious to everything outside his cooking world. Hyunjin couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Smells like you're trying to poison someone," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he leaned against the doorframe.

Felix jumped, nearly dropping the wooden spoon. "Oh, shut up," he replied, not even bothering to look at him. "You wouldn't know good food if it slapped you in the face."

Hyunjin smirked, enjoying the familiar banter. "Ouch, that hurt. My ego, I mean."

Felix finally turned to face him, his expression unamused. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, you're still here," Hyunjin shot back, his grin widening.

Felix rolled his eyes and turned back to the stove, focusing on plating their dinner. "Dinner is served, oh great and mighty fashion icon," he announced dramatically, setting the plates on the table with flair.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow as he approached the table. "Is that sarcasm I detect?" he asked, sitting down.

"Maybe," Felix replied, a playful glint in his eye as he sat across from him. "Or maybe I'm just really good at cooking."

Hyunjin picked up his fork, eyeing the food suspiciously before taking a bite. To his surprise, it was actually good. He looked up at Felix, who was watching him expectantly. "Not bad," he admitted grudgingly.

Felix grinned triumphantly. "Told you."

As they ate, their conversation flowed from food to work.

"So, what's the big plan for tomorrow, world-renowned actor?" Felix asked, his tone teasing.

Hyunjin took a sip of his wine, savoring the moment. "I'll be gracing the world with my presence, of course. You know, the usual: standing around looking pretty and getting paid for it."

Felix snorted. "I'm sure the world is trembling in anticipation."

Hyunjin chuckled, his voice warm. "Actually, I have a shoot with some big-name LV ambassador tomorrow. Should be interesting."

Felix froze for a moment, the fork halfway to his mouth. "Oh? Who's the lucky ambassador?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Hyunjin shrugged, oblivious. "No idea. Probably some stuck-up model who thinks they're too good for anyone. You know how it is."

Felix hid a smirk behind his glass, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Yeah, I know exactly how it is."

They both laughed, Felix enjoying Hyunjin's comments while Hyunjin seemed curious about the smirk on Felix's face.

After dinner, they cleared the table together.

"Hey," Felix said, handing Hyunjin a wet plate, "You never told me what time your shoot is tomorrow."

Hyunjin took the plate, wiping it dry with a towel. "In the morning. Why?"

"No reason," Felix said casually, though Hyunjin noticed the hint of a smirk on his lips. "Just making sure you're not going to oversleep and miss it. Wouldn't want to keep that LV ambassador waiting."

Hyunjin rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to oversleep, Felix. I'm a professional."

"Sure you are," Felix teased, bumping his shoulder lightly against Hyunjin's. "Just don't be late."

Hyunjin chuckled at Felix's playful tone. "You sound like you're worried about me."

Felix shrugged, handing over the last dish. "Maybe I am. Can't have you ruining my good reputation by association."

"Your good reputation?" Hyunjin laughed. "I think you mean my good reputation."

Felix grinned. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Hyunjin."

With the dishes done, they both settled into the living room. Instead of curling up on the couch as they might have on a more relaxed evening, they sat at opposite ends, each lost in their own thoughts.

Hyunjin glanced at Felix, who was scrolling through his phone, his expression unusually focused. A pang of guilt hit him—he hadn't known they'd be working together tomorrow, and now it felt strange to bring it up. But the public already knew they lived together and were married, so what was the harm in it? Maybe it wouldn't be as big of a deal as he thought.

"Felix," Hyunjin began hesitantly, causing Felix to look up from his phone. "About tomorrow..."

Felix's eyes narrowed slightly, but his tone stayed casual. "Yeah?"

Hyunjin hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I just wanted to say that no matter what happens at the shoot, we should keep things professional, you know?"

Felix raised an eyebrow, curious. "You think I'm not professional?"

"No, it's not that," Hyunjin quickly corrected, feeling like he was digging himself into a deeper hole. "It's just... we've never worked together on something this big after our drama. I don't want people to think there's anything weird, especially with them thinking we had a fight."

Felix stared at him for a moment, then a slow grin spread across his face. "Hyunjin, are you nervous?"

Hyunjin frowned. "No, I'm not nervous. I'm just... concerned."

Felix's grin widened. "You're totally nervous. This is going to be fun."

Hyunjin groaned, realizing he'd walked right into that one. "Great, now you're going to make it a thing."

Felix leaned back on the couch, clearly enjoying himself. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't embarrass yourself too much."

Hyunjin threw a pillow at him, which Felix easily caught, laughing. Despite his initial nervousness, he couldn't help but feel a little better. Felix had a way of making even the most stressful situations seem manageable, but for Hyunjin, it was still a different story.

❀A/N ❀

Happy Teej to all my fellow Nepalis! Also, who's fasting with me????