Mafia's Heartbeat: A Dangerous Love

Chapter - 16

Hyunjin stirred, his body feeling heavy and his head throbbing as he slowly came back to consciousness. His eyelids fluttered open, and he blinked in the dim light of the room, trying to get his bearings. Everything around him felt unfamiliar at first, and then it hit him—the auction, the drink, the suffocating grip in the washroom.

Panic surged through his chest as fragmented memories of what happened flooded his mind. He sat up quickly, his breath hitching as his vision blurred slightly from the movement. As he took in his surroundings, he realized he wasn't in his own room. The dark wood furniture and plush, comfortable bedding made it clear—this was Felix's room.

The door opened with a soft creak, and Hyunjin's heart raced. His eyes flicked to the figure standing in the doorway—Felix, holding a tray of food, his face drawn with worry but softening when he saw Hyunjin awake.

"You're up," Felix said gently, his voice low as he walked over and placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his gaze never leaving Hyunjin.

Hyunjin's breath trembled, and he looked down at his hands, gripping the blankets tightly. His chest felt tight, and the weight of what had almost happened was overwhelming. Despite being safe now, the terror lingered, making him feel small, vulnerable, and weak.

Felix noticed the shift in Hyunjin's demeanor, his normally sharp eyes softening with concern. "How are you feeling?" Felix asked, his voice gentle but firm. He reached out, placing a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder.

Hyunjin's lips quivered as he tried to speak, but no words came out. His mind was racing, and the sense of failure, of not being able to protect himself, crashed down on him. He was supposed to be strong. He was supposed to protect Felix, not be saved by him. Tears welled up in his eyes before he could stop them, his shoulders shaking as he struggled to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape.

"I... I couldn't fight back," Hyunjin whispered, his voice breaking. His hands clenched tighter around the blanket. "I'm supposed to be your bodyguard, Felix. I'm supposed to protect you... but I couldn't even protect myself." His voice trembled, and he could feel the tears starting to slip down his cheeks, his vision blurring.

Felix's expression softened, and without hesitation, he pulled Hyunjin into his arms, letting him rest his head against his chest. "Shh, it's okay, baby," Felix whispered soothingly, his voice calm and filled with warmth. "Don't cry. I'm here... I've got you."

Hyunjin's body trembled as the tears finally spilled over, and he clung to Felix, the weight of everything too much to hold inside anymore. "I... I feel so weak," Hyunjin sobbed, his voice muffled against Felix's chest. "What if I can't protect you? What if... what if something happens, and I'm not strong enough?"

Felix's heart clenched at the sound of Hyunjin's cries. He tightened his arms around him, cradling him protectively. "Hey," Felix murmured softly, stroking Hyunjin's hair as he held him. "You're not weak, Hyunjin. What happened to you wasn't your fault. You were drugged. No one expects you to fight that." His voice was steady, but there was an underlying intensity to it, as if the very thought of anyone hurting Hyunjin made his blood boil.

Hyunjin's sobs quieted, but his tears continued to fall as he buried his face in Felix's chest, feeling the warmth and strength of his arms around him. "But I was supposed to... protect you," he whispered, his voice breaking again.

Felix shook his head, brushing his fingers through Hyunjin's soft hair. "You're not alone in this. I'm here to protect you too, okay? I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You don't have to carry all the weight by yourself," he murmured, his voice filled with tenderness.

He lifted Hyunjin's face gently, wiping away the tears that streaked his cheeks. His thumb brushed over Hyunjin's wet skin as he leaned in closer, his forehead resting against Hyunjin's. "I won't let anything happen to you. I'm right here."

Hyunjin stared up at Felix, his vision still blurred from the tears, but Felix's words, the warmth in his touch, made the heaviness in his chest feel a little lighter. Felix's presence made him feel safe, despite everything.

Felix pressed a soft kiss to Hyunjin's forehead. "You're safe now, and I'll always protect you, just like you'd protect me," he said, his voice low and soothing.

Hyunjin sniffled, his tears finally beginning to slow, though his heart was still racing. "Felix..."

"Shh," Felix whispered again, pulling Hyunjin closer. "It's okay. I'm here. You don't have to be strong all the time. Lean on me." He let Hyunjin rest his head on his chest again, his hand still stroking his hair, providing him with the comfort he so desperately needed.

They stayed like that for a while, Felix holding Hyunjin, not rushing him to calm down, just letting him feel the comfort of being cared for. The fear and insecurities that had been bubbling up inside Hyunjin began to ease under Felix's protective embrace.

After some time, Felix pulled away slightly, his gaze softening even more. "I brought you some food," he said, motioning toward the tray. "You need to eat something, get your strength back."

Hyunjin nodded, still feeling vulnerable but a little more grounded. He wiped at his eyes, giving Felix a small, grateful smile. "Thank you... for everything."

Felix smiled back, his thumb brushing over Hyunjin's cheek one last time. "I'm always here for you. Don't ever forget that."