Deep End | Hyunlix

26

Hyunjin nervously tapped his steering wheel, his thoughts swirling. What am I thinking? he asked himself. This wasn't part of the plan. He glanced over at Felix, who was already looking at him. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Hyunjin quickly looked away. His palms started to sweat, and he gripped the steering wheel harder. Get it together, he told himself, but his usual calm and collected demeanor seemed to be slipping away.

Felix watched the older man closely, noticing the subtle signs of nervousness in his posture. He seems... off, Felix thought. Did I catch him off guard when I asked him to leave?

"Why don't we go get something to eat?" Felix suggested, his voice breaking the silence.

Hyunjin flinched at the sudden question, visibly startled.

"What are you hungry for?" Hyunjin asked, glancing over at Felix.

You, Felix thought, but quickly pushed the thought aside. "I'm good with anything. You pick."

Hyunjin turned on his blinker, making a U-turn. "Are you up for another drive?" he asked, a slight hesitation in his voice.

Felix, already here, figured he might as well go along with it. "Sure," he said with a shrug, turning to look out the window, watching the city lights fade behind them.

They drove through Incheon, heading towards the bridge, and eventually parked outside a restaurant by the water. Felix looked around, surprised that Hyunjin had chosen such a bustling spot.

They walked inside and were greeted by a worker, who led them to a secluded room. Felix took in his surroundings as they settled in.

"I hope you like seafood," Hyunjin said, picking up the menu. "They have some of the best... What's wrong?" he asked, noticing Felix's change in expression.

"Nothing. It's not a big deal," Felix replied, reaching for the menu, but there was a small edge of tension in his voice.

Hyunjin grew concerned. "Wait, you're not allergic to seafood, are you?"

Felix gave him a guilty look. "Well..."

Hyunjin's face fell. Fuck, why didn't I ask first? he thought, his stomach sinking. "You're not... allergic?"

Felix grinned. "I'm just joking," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "I actually love seafood."

Hyunjin paused, unsure whether Felix was being serious or not. After a moment, he let out a breath. "Your... joking."

Felix's guilt flared up, seeing how upset Hyunjin looked. "Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I thought I'd lighten the mood. You seemed nervous in the car. Really, I'm fine."

Hyunjin's thoughts were a mess. His heart pounded in his chest, and he couldn't focus on anything but the warmth of Felix's words. What is happening tonight? he thought, his well-constructed walls starting to crumble.

"Hey," Felix said gently, noticing Hyunjin's unease. He reached out and placed a hand on Hyunjin's.

The contact made Hyunjin jump, startled by the sudden intimacy. He looked up at Felix, whose eyes were filled with concern. "Umm, funny joke," Hyunjin mumbled, forcing a chuckle. He quickly pulled his hands away and clasped them tightly in his lap. What is wrong with me?

Felix was about to apologize when the waiter arrived to take their order. After a quick decision, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence as they waited for their food. Felix watched Hyunjin, who was visibly trying to calm himself. Why did I make that joke? he wondered, feeling the tension still hanging in the air.

Hyunjin could feel Felix's gaze on him, but he kept his focus on anything but the younger. When did I lose control of this? His thoughts flickered back to earlier that evening, the kiss. The feeling of Felix's hand on his neck had made him shiver. He felt his face heat up again. Get a grip, he told himself.

Felix noticed the color in Hyunjin's cheeks and smiled to himself. He looks even more adorable when he's flustered, he thought.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Felix said, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to make things awkward."

"You don't have anything to apologize for," Hyunjin quickly interrupted, finally meeting Felix's eyes.

Felix nodded, deciding not to press further. "Okay," he said, shifting the topic. "When do I get to see the painting from today?"

"When you sit for me again," Hyunjin replied softly.

"So, there will be a next time?" Felix asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

Hyunjin's smile was almost shy as he replied, "I hope so."

Before Felix could respond, their food arrived, and the conversation shifted to the meal. Felix smiled as the food was laid out before them. "Everything looks great!"

Hyunjin nodded in agreement. "If you want anything else, just go ahead and order it."

Felix nodded, and they both began eating. As they did, Felix couldn't help but watch Hyunjin savor each bite. There was something charming about the way he appreciated the food, making small sounds of delight whenever he tasted something exceptional. Felix couldn't help but smile, finding the older man even more endearing.

Hyunjin caught Felix staring and felt his cheeks warm again. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice a little higher than usual.

Felix quickly shook his head. "Just admiring how cute you are when you eat."

Hyunjin froze, his face turning redder than before. He stammered, trying to find a response. "Umm, I..."

Felix chuckled softly, the sound sending Hyunjin into an even deeper blush. "Sorry," Felix said, trying to reassure him. "I didn't mean to embarrass you. It's just cute watching you enjoy the food."

Hyunjin wanted to crawl under the table. He had never expected this evening to turn out this way, and he wasn't sure how to regain control of the situation. I need to pull it together, he thought.

"How about we order some drinks?" Hyunjin suggested, trying to shift the conversation away from his embarrassment.

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