Embers of Hope// Hyunlix

Chapter - 20

But Felix couldn't stand by any longer, watching Hyunjin silently bear the burden of everything that had happened. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from Hyunjin's face, his hand trembling slightly as he made contact with Hyunjin's skin. Hyunjin flinched, though it was barely noticeable, and Felix's heart sank.

Hyunjin's eyes widened slightly as Felix's fingers lingered on his cheek. The warmth from Felix's touch made his heart race, and he blushed without meaning to. His body reacted instinctively, but his mind was filled with fear. The trauma from the incident still gripped him tightly, and being touched—even by Felix—was difficult.

"I'm sorry," Felix whispered, his voice breaking through the quiet room.

Hyunjin didn't respond. He appreciated Felix's efforts, but the fear gnawed at him. What if something like the past happened again? What if Felix started to hate him again? The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

Hyunjin swallowed hard, trying to push the fears away, but they lingered like a shadow. Felix's apology echoed in his mind, but he couldn't respond. He wasn't ready yet. Every time Felix touched him, the warmth was a reminder of how things once were—but also a reminder of how much had changed.

Felix sighed quietly, noticing how Hyunjin seemed to retreat inward. He hated seeing him like this. "I... I've made a lot of mistakes," Felix said softly, his hand dropping back to his side. "And I can't take back what I did... but I'm trying, Hyunjin. I'm trying to be better for you."

Hyunjin bit his lip, his chest tightening. He appreciated Felix's effort, he really did. But the fear was always there, reminding him of how fragile everything felt. What if this was temporary? What if Felix's kindness was only fleeting, and the hatred would come back? He had already suffered so much; he didn't know if he could take more pain. He would break, and this time, there wouldn't be anything left to pick up the pieces.

Hyunjin shifted under the blanket, his hands gripping the fabric tightly. "You don't have to try so hard," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn't want Felix to feel obligated to fix things. Not when everything felt so uncertain.

Felix frowned, hearing the hesitation in Hyunjin's voice. "I want to, Hyunjin," he said gently. "I want to be the person you can rely on, someone who makes you feel safe."

Hyunjin looked down, his eyes filling with unshed tears. He wanted to believe Felix. He wanted to trust him, but the scars from the past ran too deep. He didn't respond, choosing silence instead. It was easier than letting Felix know just how terrified he was.

Felix watched him, frustration and sadness pooling in his chest. He wanted to reach out, to tell Hyunjin everything, to apologize properly, but the walls between them were still up, and Felix didn't know how to tear them down.

"I'll give you time," Felix finally said, his voice steady but soft. "I just want you to know... I'm not going anywhere. I won't hurt you again. I swear."

Hyunjin's lips trembled as a tear finally escaped, sliding down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away, not wanting Felix to see. He couldn't bring himself to answer, afraid of what might happen if he opened up. He was grateful for Felix's words, but the pain inside him was still too fresh.

The room fell into a heavy silence. Felix stood from the bed, giving Hyunjin the space he seemed to need, though it pained him to do so. As he left the room, Hyunjin pulled the blanket tighter around himself, closing his eyes against the overwhelming emotions swirling inside him.

He didn't know how much longer he could keep going like this. He wanted to heal, wanted to trust Felix again. But the weight of the past kept pulling him back into the darkness.