LOVESTRUCK ROYALTY

Chapter - 8

Felix's birthday party 

The palace was alive with laughter and chatter as guests mingled, and the air was thick with the scent of delicious food and sweet perfumes. Felix could barely contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. It was his birthday, and while everyone was celebrating, he felt an unsettling mixture of joy and something deeper—a longing he couldn't quite shake.

Hyunjin was nearby, navigating through the crowd, greeting guests with that calm, protective demeanor that made Felix's heart race. They exchanged a few words here and there, but mostly, Felix found himself just stealing glances at him. The way Hyunjin carried himself, ever-watchful yet relaxed, made Felix's chest tighten. He wished they could talk more, but with so many guests around, it felt impossible.

With a sigh, Felix sank into the plush couch, desperately trying to drown the burning sensation in his heart with another glass of alcohol. He chugged down his sixth shot, feeling the warmth spread through him, momentarily easing the tension. Just as he was beginning to feel the buzz, his cousin Rose sauntered over, a bright smile on her face.

"Nice party, Felix," she said, plopping down beside him and taking a sip from her own glass.

"Thanks, Rose. Nice to see you here. It's been so long," he replied, trying to keep his tone light, though his mind was still partially on Hyunjin.

Rose hummed in response, her eyes scanning the hall before landing on Hyunjin. "Hey, Felix. Who is that hottie over there?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eye.

Felix's heart sank as he followed her gaze to Hyunjin. The familiar burning sensation returned, this time sharper and more possessive. "That's my bodyguard," he said through gritted teeth, unable to mask the irritation in his voice.

"Damn, he's so hot! I'm gonna have him under me tonight," she said with a smirk, clearly undeterred.

Felix's jaw tightened at her words. Oh, how he wished he could wipe that smirk off her face. He wasn't about to let her claim Hyunjin, even as jealousy clawed at him. "Oh, but you can't. Because he already has someone," he shot back, trying to keep his tone casual, but it felt like a declaration.

Rose looked surprised, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Who?" she asked, leaning in closer, clearly intrigued.

Felix felt his pulse quicken. This was his chance, a moment to assert what he'd been feeling but hadn't dared to express. He smirked, leaning closer to her, lowering his voice. "Me," he whispered, the words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Rose blinked, taken aback. "You? Seriously?" she asked, disbelief etched on her face.

Felix nodded, a surge of confidence filling him. "Yeah. He's mine," he said firmly, feeling a mix of pride and defiance.

"Wow, I didn't see that coming," she replied, though a smirk tugged at her lips again. "But you better watch out. He's too hot to keep to yourself, you know."

Felix felt a possessive fire ignite within him. "I don't plan on letting him go," he said, his voice steady. "Not now, not ever."

Just then, he caught Hyunjin's gaze from across the room, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes locked. There was an unspoken connection, a silent acknowledgment of the tension that had been brewing between them. Felix's heart raced, and he could feel his resolve strengthening.

"Alright, alright. I won't interfere," Rose said, raising her hands in mock surrender, but Felix could see the curiosity still dancing in her eyes.

As she turned her attention back to the crowd, Felix leaned back on the couch, the warmth of the alcohol mixing with a newfound determination. He couldn't let anyone come between him and Hyunjin. Tonight was about celebration, but it was also about understanding what was happening between them.