Embers of Hope// Hyunlix

Chapter - 16

Felix's POV: 

The atmosphere shifted as we made our way back to the apartment after dinner. The laughter and chatter had helped ease some of the heaviness that had settled over us, but I could still feel the weight of Hyunjin's pain hovering in the air. I glanced at him, seated between Minho and Jisung, who were animatedly discussing a movie. For a moment, Hyunjin seemed lost in their words, a small smile gracing his lips. It was a sight I had missed, and I hoped it would become more frequent.

Once we were back, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I wanted to support Hyunjin, but the fear of saying the wrong thing loomed over me. I knew that every word mattered now, especially after everything he had been through.

As the others settled down with snacks and started playing a game, I pulled Hyunjin aside for a moment. "Hey, can we talk?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sure," he replied, his smile faltering slightly. I could see the uncertainty in his eyes, and it made my heart ache.

We moved to a quieter corner of the living room, away from the playful chaos. I took a deep breath, unsure of how to start. "I know this is all overwhelming, and I just want you to know that I'm here for you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Hyunjin nodded, his expression softening. "I appreciate it, Felix. I really do."

"I—" I hesitated, the words almost caught in my throat. "I want to help you through this, but I can't if you don't let me in."

His gaze dropped to the floor, and I could sense the internal struggle within him. "It's hard for me," he admitted, his voice shaky. "I feel like I'm burdening you with my pain."

"You're not a burden," I said firmly, stepping a little closer to him. "We're a team, right? I can't pretend everything is okay when I know it's not."

Hyunjin looked up, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's just... I don't want you to see me like this. I want to be strong for you."

"Hyunjin," I said, my heart racing. "You don't have to be strong all the time. It's okay to feel weak. It's okay to cry. You're human, and you're allowed to feel what you're feeling."

He opened his mouth to respond, but I could see the emotions swirling behind his eyes, fighting for release. I reached out, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Please, let's take this one step at a time. We can figure this out together."

A single tear slipped down his cheek, and my chest tightened at the sight. I hated seeing him like this, but at the same time, I was grateful that he was letting me in, even just a little.

"I'll try," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Good. That's all I ask," I replied, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me.

We stood in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our thoughts. The sound of laughter from the others faded into the background, and all I could focus on was Hyunjin standing before me, vulnerable yet resilient.

"I want to help you with therapy," I said suddenly, the words spilling out before I could second-guess myself. "We can look for a therapist together, and I'll go with you. You don't have to do this alone."

Hyunjin's expression softened further, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of the warmth I had been missing. "I'd like that," he said, his voice stronger now.

"Good. We'll start tomorrow," I declared, feeling a newfound determination coursing through me.

As we rejoined the group, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but at least we were taking the first steps together.