Symphony of Renewal [A SKZ FF]

Chapter 16: Divide and Conquer

Miya Centric:
It was nighttime when Felix and Miya went back to the dorm. They had gotten to know each other over the hours they had spent together, with Miya finding herself being able to relate to Felix. Were things finally starting to go up?

They were about to enter when Felix stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. This made her shoot him a confused look. "Don't worry. I'm on your side. And I'm sure the others will come around... hopefully," he reassures her, muttering the last part under his breath so as not to make her worry. Miya just nods in response, though not entirely convinced.

The dorm was quiet, which was kind of unusual, as the others would be gathered in the living room by now to relax. Miya was starting to grow concerned. Were they feeling salty and planning something?

Felix, noticing her increasing wariness, suggested. "Maybe you should retire to your room early tonight?"

The girl just nods, heading to her room as her mind spins from the day's events. Felix smiled as he watched her retreating from, though it faded as soon as she entered her room. He couldn't help but feel cautious, too.

Third Person POV:
As if on cue, the seven others popped into the living room, startling Felix. They approached him. Chan, Changbin and Han had come back, obviously. And boy, did they not look happy. Felix braced himself, having already suspected that something like this would happen.

"Is this how it's going to be?" Minho starts, his tone dark.

Felix replies calmly, knowing exactly what Minho was talking about. "How what is going to be?"

"Don't play dumb. How could you choose her over us?" Hyunjin cuts in as he raises his voice a bit, his tone holding anger and thinly veiled hurt.

"I'm not choosing Miya over you. I'm just treating her with human decency, a concept that you lot seem to lack," Felix counters, still maintaining his serenity.

The others were stunned for a second, taken aback by his cold remark. Chan then speaks up. "Seriously, Lix. After everything we've gone through. All the years we've been together, and you side with someone you've known for a little over a month?!"

"Yeah, Lix. You've gone soft," Seungmin says in agreement.

"Do you like her or something?" Han sneers tautingly.

"It's not about how long I've known her or whether I like her or not. You can't treat people like that, no matter the circumstance. Harassing a poor girl for no good reason? It's like I don't even know you guys," Felix tuts, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Just so you know... things won't be easy for you if you continue like this," Jeongin says hesitantly, trying to make him change his mind.

Felix smiles a little, his resolve unwavering. "Oh, I know. But I won't be changing my decision. You're all free to see the light and join me. But for now, I'll be in my room." After saying that Felix pivots to his room, heading to his room as promised.

The others just watched as he left, not being able to stop him or make a comeback. "Looks like he has a spine, after all," Changbin remarks, chuckling a little.

Miya Centric:
Miya had overheard everything. She didn't mean to eavesdrop. She just couldn't help it. She had been making her way to the kitchen to grab a snack as usual when she heard Minho saying something that piqued her interest. And that's how it started.

She felt guilty because of the conflict between Felix and the others, but at the same time, she was happy that Felix had continued standing up for her. Her eyes widen in realisation as she sees Felix heading to his room. She should head to her room before anyone spots her. She was grateful that Felix's room was in the opposite direction of hers and that he hadn't noticed her.

She plopped onto her bed once she entered her room, pulling out her phone. She rang Jimin's number, waiting for the older to pick up.

Jimin answered quickly for once. "Hey. What is it?" she says, sounding tired as always.

"Keep your voice down. I don't know how thin the walls here are," Miaya says, speaking in hushed tones.

Jimin immediately reduces her volume, understanding the situation. "Are you at the dorm?" she asks inquisitively.

Miya nods even though Jimin can't see her before responding. "I kind of can't go out right now since it's in the night. I have good news and bad news."

"Start with the bad news," Jimin replies immediately, wanting to get it over with.

"The bad news is... the other seven still hate me," Miya says after pausing for dramatic effect.

"Wait. What?" Jimin says, the confusion in her voice as clear as day.

"That's where the good news comes in... one for the boys doesn't hate me anymore," Miya says, smiling a little at the thought.

The was a pause. "It's Felix, isn't it?" Jimin asks, though it sounds more like a statement.

"How did you..." Miya trails off, flabbergasted.

Jimin chuckles, picturing the look on the younger's face. "I don't know. Based on what I know about the boys, he seemed like he would be the first to reach his breaking point," she explains simply, as if It's common sense.

Miya still has questions, but decided to brush them off and not voice them out. Jimin continued once Miya didn't respond. "If he cracked, then the others are bound to as well. Even if it takes long."

"Really?" Miya asks, doubtful. Felix had something similar earlier, but she was still skeptical. It would be nice if that happened, but she didn't want to get her hopes up.

"Of course. They all come around. They always do," Jimin replies, sounding almost prophetic.

"If you say so. Anyways..." Miya replies. They then spend spend talking about things not related to Stray Kids or the situation at hand.

"I just hope Felix's redemption arc is genuine. Stay safe," Jimin says, bidding Miya goodbye as thr younger does the same before ending the call.

Miya climbed under her blankets. It had gotten kind of late now. She thought back to the day's events. The first part wasn't good at all, but it became better as time progressed. She felt like wasn't alone anymore, she just Felix was being sincere about his change of heart.

She also contemplated whether or not she should tell Felix that Jimin knew about the whole thing. She didn't dwell on it, though, deciding to try to sleep instead.

1107 words

Looks like there's a division between Felix and the rest of the guys now. Uh oh!