Idol [Lee Felix of Stray Kids]

50. Real Life

"What are you doing?" AiDi looked up when he heard Hyunjin's voice and smiled.

"Just editing the video before I upload it to YouTube," he replied and the older male nodded, "did you need anything?"

"Nah," Hyunjin replied shaking his head as he sat beside her younger Park sibling, "you don't mind if I watch?"

AiDi smiled and shook his head before going back to editing the recent video he and Hana had filmed but he couldn't help but feel as if his heart was about to burst out do his chest every turn Hyunjin got too close or how his face would heat up with a blush at his complements. "You're a natural at doing vlogs."

AiDi felt his cheeks flush at Hyunjin's words, a warm sensation spreading through him as he continued to click away at his laptop. "Thanks, that means a lot coming from you," he said, trying to keep his voice steady as he focused on the screen. He could feel Hyunjin's gaze lingering on him, almost like a physical touch, and he struggled to suppress a shy smile that threatened to break through.

Hyunjin chuckled, leaning back comfortably against the couch as he glanced around the room. "You know, I thought vlogging was all about being in front of the camera, but you really have a way with it behind the scenes too," he remarked, his tone playful. "You could probably teach me a thing or two."

"Oh, come on!" AiDi laughed, shaking his head. "You, a dance machine and visual of Stray Kids, needing lessons from me? That's not happening."

Hyunjin leaned in closer, intentionally invading AiDi's personal space. "I'm serious. You put so much effort into your vlogs. I admire that. You make it look so easy." His shining eyes sparkled with sincerity, making AiDi's heart race even faster.

Feeling flustered under Hyunjin's intense gaze, AiDi shrugged, his fingers fidgeting with the buttons on his laptop. "I just... I enjoy sharing the moments with everyone. Especially with family, you know?" He turned his attention back to the screen, trying to play it cool, but he could feel his palms starting to sweat.

"Family, huh?" Hyunjin whispered, his tone shifting to something softer, more intimate. "I think that's what makes your vlogs stand out. You have this way of connecting with people, making them feel included. It's beautiful, really."

The atmosphere shifted, and AiDi's heart raced as he caught Hyunjin's gaze again. The air felt thick, charged with an unspoken tension that hung between them. AiDi swallowed hard, his breath hitching slightly in his throat. "Thanks... I just try to be genuine."

With a playful smirk, Hyunjin nudged AiDi's shoulder lightly. "Well, it definitely works. I always look forward to watching your videos."

There was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the soft clicks of AiDi's laptop as he continued editing. Every now and then, he would sneak a glance at Hyunjin, who appeared to be lost in thought, tracing absent patterns on the couch with his fingers.

"Hey," AiDi finally said, breaking the tension. "Are you excited for the concert next week? The second leg of the tour is going to be amazing."

Hyunjin nodded, his eyes brightening at the mention of it. "I am! I can't wait to perform for our fans, especially after everything that's happened recently. It's going to be a whole new experience." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "But you know what else I'm looking forward to?"

AiDi's curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

"Seeing how many new memories we create together," Hyunjin replied, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "Every time I'm on stage, I feel the energy of the moment, and the memories made are just... unforgettable." He turned toward AiDi, a soft smile on his lips.

Caught in his gaze, AiDi felt himself leaning in unconsciously. "I... I feel the same way," he admitted, almost breathless. They shared a moment, the world around them fading from focus. The only sounds were their heartbeats, pounding in synchrony, and for a heartbeat, it felt as though time stood still.

And just like that, everything shifted. Without thinking, AiDi leaned in further, his intent becoming clear. As he closed the distance between them, he felt Hyunjin's breath hitch, and then their lips met softly. It was tentative at first, a gentle exploration that sent electric jolts coursing through AiDi's veins. The kiss, warm and sweet, faded away far too soon.

And then, without warning, Hyunjin closed the distance between them, leaning in slightly. AiDi's breath hitched as Hyunjin placed a soft, tentative kiss on AiDi's lips—so brief yet so explosive that it sent sparks coursing through him.

Before AiDi could fully register what just happened, Hyunjin jumped back, his expression shifting from a moment of sweetness to uncertainty. "I, um... I should go."

"What?" AiDi stammered, confusion and surprise flooding his system. "Hyunjin, wait!"

But Hyunjin was already standing, his usually composed demeanor frazzled. "I... I didn't mean to... um, I need to think."

Just like that, he turned away and walked out of the room, leaving AiDi stunned and utterly alone. His mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts crashing around. Was that real? Did Hyunjin really just kiss him?

AiDi sat there, frozen in disbelief, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions racing through him. The taste of the kiss still lingered on his lips, intoxicating and yet bewildering. Part of him wanted to chase after Hyunjin, to understand what it all meant, but another part of him felt rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in their dynamic.

Outside, he could hear the muffled sounds of the other members laughing, singing, and going about their day, a stark contrast to the storm of feelings swirling within him. He pulled his knees to his chest and rested his chin on them, staring blankly at the laptop screen that now seemed so irrelevant.

What did this mean for them? Were they more than just friends? AiDi's heart raced again as doubt began to creep in. Did Hyunjin feel the same way? There was no denying the chemistry, but he felt lost in a maze of emotions.

Suddenly, Charlie's laughter echoed from the other room, and AiDi's heart softened as thoughts of his little niece brought him back to reality. He had to get up, to think clearly away from the confusion. He couldn't let the uncertainty consume him.

Taking a deep breath, AiDi stood and made his way toward the sound of her giggles, trying to push thoughts of Hyunjin and that brief moment aside. As he stepped into the room, the excitement of being an uncle bubbled within him again, a comfort amidst the chaos in his heart.