The very next morning, Felix's phone buzzed with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, he saw Ni-ki's name flashing which was quite a surprise, the younger had never even texted him in the whole 2-3yrs they had known each other, much less call him. Most of their interactions had been in person and within their friend group so there had really been no need for Ni-ki to contact him before. Until now.
With a smile, he answered, already anticipating some exciting news.
"Hey, Ni-ki! What's up?" he greeted, his voice chipper as he wrapped himself up in Minho's blanket while the elder was freshening up. The cats were all floundered around him, Doongie perched on his chest while Dori napped with his head on his thigh. Soonie was lost somewhere in the fluffy blankets Minho possessed.
The cute devils had actually behaved this time, not getting random zoomies at the crack ass of dawn, maybe because Felix had been there. Minho had glared at them darkly when he had woken up all refreshed and sleep fulfilled, having realized his babies were playing favorites with Felix and his precious sleep while they used to kick him in the face if he didn't wake up on their command. It had made Felix laugh for a long time, his body completely relaxed as he threw himself over Minho's lap and laid there in content.
"Felix-hyung! You're not gonna believe this," Ni-ki began, sounding as animated as ever. "Jake and the others are coming back from their Japan tour! I was planning on going home for Chuseok and then Dad texted me they are all arriving tomorrow. Now I'm planning to meet them, and I was wondering if you'd like to come with. It's been so long since we all hung out together!"
Felix's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his friends from back home. The idea of reuniting with them filled him with a warm sense of nostalgia—he hadn't been able to keep up with them within the last few weeks even though he always made sure to catch up with their Instagram updates—but at the same time, he hesitated. His life had changed so much since he left Australia a couple of months ago, and now, with his new job and his deepening relationship with Minho, he wasn't sure if he was ready to revisit that chapter of his life just yet.
It brought goosebumps on his body to even think of seeing his parents again.
"I don't know, Ni-ki..." he replied, trying to keep his tone light. "I've got a lot going on here, and... well, I don't really want to leave right now. Going back so soon.... I haven't thought about it."
Ni-ki hummed thoughtfully on the other end of the line. "Oh. Well, I get it. But, you know, it might be good for you. Just a short trip, catch up with everyone, and then come back. We will all miss you. Don't you feel kinda homesick? I am definitely feeling a little homesick."
His heart tugged at Ni-ki's words, yeah, he did feel homesick, but he pushed the thought to the back of his mind. The thought of revisiting his favorite park again, of wandering through his yard again, of going to pick Liv up from school, getting his usual coffee that he actually liked for once in his life. He did miss Australia. He just didn't miss the life he had left behind in there. And if he went back to Australia, he'd have to confront that life once more. "I'll think about it, okay? Let me see how things go here first."
"Sure thing, no pressure! Just let me know," Ni-ki said cheerfully before ending the call abruptly.
He was not going to think about it. He was going to lock that offer away in his mind and forget about it, mute his messages or make up excuses if his friends asked for it.
He was never going to go back.
He was not going to think about it.
Over the next few hours, he did think about it.
