Embers of Hope// Hyunlix

Chapter - 41

The day Hyunjin was finally discharged from the hospital felt surreal. Felix had been by his side every moment, ensuring everything was in order for Hyunjin's release. He was more careful than ever, constantly checking on Hyunjin's comfort, making sure he didn't strain himself. Hyunjin noticed the way Felix hovered over him, always ready to help.

"Felix, I can handle it," Hyunjin protested gently as Felix wrapped an arm around his waist to help him into the car. "I'm not as fragile as you think."

But Felix shook his head firmly, his grip tightening just a little. "No. You've been through too much, Hyunjin. Let me take care of you. You deserve it."

Hyunjin couldn't argue with that, so he let Felix fuss over him, knowing there was no point in resisting. Felix seemed determined to give him what he called "the princess treatment." Once they were home, Felix practically pampered him to the extreme, making sure Hyunjin had everything he needed and then some.

A week passed, and the two of them moved into their new mansion—bigger, more secure, and built like a fortress. The high-security system was top-notch, with cameras on every corner and guards stationed at various points. Felix had ensured that every possible safety measure was in place, including the installation of panic buttons and bulletproof windows.

Hyunjin stood in awe when they first arrived. The mansion was stunning, surrounded by tall gates and lush gardens, with towering walls that offered privacy and protection. But while it was beautiful, the knowledge that it was built to keep danger out made it bittersweet.

"All of this... is for me?" Hyunjin asked quietly, looking up at Felix.

Felix nodded, his eyes serious. "For us. But mostly for you. I can't take any more chances, Hyunjin. After what happened... I need to know that you're safe."

Hyunjin's heart swelled with emotion, touched by Felix's care, but he couldn't shake the lingering fear. The danger wasn't entirely gone. He knew that much. There were still loose ends, and Felix's vigilance only reminded him of that fact.

Bodyguards were hired to ensure Hyunjin's safety at all times, and Felix personally oversaw their assignments. He even discussed it with his father, who agreed that these precautions were necessary.

"I want every possible threat neutralized before it even gets close to him," Felix had told the guards sternly when they met at the mansion. "If anything happens to him... I won't forgive myself."

Hyunjin overheard the conversation and couldn't help but feel both grateful and overwhelmed. Felix was going above and beyond to keep him safe. He appreciated it, but it also weighed on him that this was their reality now—constant vigilance, always looking over their shoulders.

Later that evening, as they settled into their new home, Hyunjin lay on the couch, resting after a long day of adjusting to the new place. Felix sat beside him with Hyunjin's head resting on his lap. He was running his fingers through Hyunjin's hair, soothing him.

"I'll keep you safe, no matter what," Felix whispered, his voice filled with determination. "As long as I'm alive, nothing will happen to you."

Hyunjin closed his eyes, letting Felix's words wash over him. He trusted him.

Felix had become more tender and careful than ever, and now, with the threat of Eunji and Mrs. Lee gone, his love for Hyunjin seemed to overflow in small, meaningful gestures. Every morning, Felix would wake up earlier just to give Hyunjin a gentle kiss on the forehead, whispering sweet things in his ear before getting up to prepare breakfast. Hyunjin, still adjusting to the peace and safety they now had, found his heart fluttering with every touch.

Whenever Felix walked past Hyunjin, he would softly brush his fingers against his waist, or sneak up behind him to wrap his arms around him, holding him close. These moments of affection were enough to make Hyunjin's face flush, the warmth of Felix's presence settling deep in his chest.

One evening, as Hyunjin sat on the couch reading, Felix appeared out of nowhere, scooping him up into his arms effortlessly. Hyunjin squeaked in surprise, his arms instinctively wrapping around Felix's neck.

"Felix, I can walk, you know," Hyunjin teased, but his heart raced at the sudden closeness, at how easily Felix held him.

"I know," Felix smiled, his voice soft, "but I like carrying you."

Felix kissed the top of Hyunjin's head as he carried him to bed, setting him down gently before crawling in next to him. They lay together, Felix pulling Hyunjin into his embrace, their legs tangled under the blankets.

Hyunjin's heart swelled with emotion. These small gestures, the tender way Felix touched him, kissed him, and held him, made him feel cherished—more than he ever had before. His fingers traced lazy patterns on Felix's chest as he leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of Felix's heart beneath his fingertips.

"I missed this," Hyunjin whispered, the soft admission breaking the quiet.

"I missed you, too," Felix replied, his lips brushing against Hyunjin's temple. "I'll never stop showing you how much I love you."

The sincerity in Felix's voice made Hyunjin's heart flutter once more. He felt safe, loved, and treasured. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Hyunjin allowed himself to fully lean into that feeling, knowing that Felix would always be there to catch him.