Embers of Hope// Hyunlix

Chapter - 39

"W-What happened?" Hyunjin croaked, his voice hoarse from disuse. He tried to recall the moments before everything went dark. "I remember... there was a car... and—" He hesitated, the image of a familiar face flashing in his mind. "I... I saw... her face."

Felix's grip on his hand tightened, his voice soft but firm. "Eunji."

Hyunjin's breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock. He hadn't expected Felix to know. "You... you know?"

Felix nodded, a mixture of sadness and anger in his expression. "I know everything now."

Hyunjin's heart raced, a wave of fear surging through him. The memory of Eunji behind the wheel, the way she had stared him down with cold, determined eyes—it all came rushing back. His entire body tensed as panic began to creep in.

Before Hyunjin could say anything more, Jisung stepped closer, offering him a comforting smile. "It's okay, Hyunjin. We already took care of her. She's not going to hurt you anymore."

Jisung's words were meant to comfort him, but Hyunjin felt more confused than relieved. "Took care of her?" he asked, his voice still shaky.

Seungmin, who had been standing quietly at the edge of the room, stepped forward. "Yes. We have captured her. She's in jail now. She can't harm you anymore."  

"I swear to you, Hyunjin, I will protect you as long as I'm alive. No one will ever hurt you again." Felix said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Hyunjin closed his eyes, a part of him wanting to believe Felix's words, but the fear was still there, deeply rooted. Felix could see it—the way Hyunjin's body remained tense, the slight tremor in his hand. He knew the trauma wouldn't disappear overnight.

Sensing the moment growing more intimate, Jisung gently touched Seungmin's arm and nodded toward the door. "We'll give you two some time alone," Jisung whispered before quietly exiting the room with Seungmin.

Once the door closed behind them, silence filled the room. Felix sat back down, his gaze never leaving Hyunjin's. He could see how fragile Hyunjin was, how broken he still felt inside. Felix's heart ached, knowing how close he came to losing the love of his life.

"I missed you so much," Felix whispered, leaning in closer, his voice raw with emotion. "You were asleep for three weeks, and I was terrified. I thought I'd lost you forever." His eyes welled up with tears as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Hyunjin's forehead. "I... I realized something while you were gone..."

Hyunjin opened his eyes and looked up at Felix. "What did you realize?" His voice was barely a whisper.

Felix hesitated for a moment, as if gathering the courage. "I love you, Hyunjin. I've always loved you, but I was too stubborn to admit it. I'm sorry I hurt you before... but I need you to know that I love you more than anything."

Hyunjin's eyes widened in shock, his heart racing. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Felix..." He was speechless, overwhelmed by Felix's confession.

Felix leaned in and gently kissed him on the lips, soft and tender, as if afraid to break him. Hyunjin, surprised, hesitated for only a second before kissing back. He could feel the warmth of Felix's love, the sincerity in his kiss.

The steady beeping from the monitor beside them suddenly sped up, mirroring the pounding of Hyunjin's heart. Felix pulled back slightly, looking at Hyunjin with a small, teasing smile. "I guess your heart's trying to tell me something too."

Hyunjin let out a soft, breathless laugh, feeling lighter than he had in days. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe that maybe—just maybe—things would be okay. He wasn't alone. He had Felix, and for now, that was enough.