Mafia's Heartbeat: A Dangerous Love

Chapter - 21

Hyunjin stood outside the large, imposing office door, taking a moment to compose himself. He had only met Felix's father a few times, and each encounter filled him with a mix of nerves and respect. He knocked gently, and a deep voice called out from inside.

"Come in."

Taking a steadying breath, Hyunjin pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was elegantly furnished, adorned with dark wood and leather, giving it an air of authority. Felix's father, Mr. Lee, sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, his gaze fixed on some documents in front of him. He looked up as Hyunjin entered, his expression shifting to a welcoming smile.

"Hyunjin," Mr. Lee said, his tone warm yet commanding. "It's good to see you. How are you holding up?"

Hyunjin nodded, grateful for the concern. "I'm doing well, sir. Thank you for asking."

"Good to hear," Mr. Lee replied, leaning back in his chair. "I wanted to talk to you about something important. Felix and I have a meeting scheduled with the TXT mafia tomorrow, and I'd like you to accompany him."

Hyunjin felt a rush of pride at the request. "Of course, sir. I'd be honored to go with Felix."

Mr. Lee's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of seriousness creeping into his demeanor. "I know things have been chaotic lately, especially with everything that's happened. But I trust you, Hyunjin. You're not just Felix's bodyguard; you're family now."

Hyunjin swallowed hard, touched by the words. He could feel the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders, but it also made him feel closer to Felix's family. "I appreciate your trust in me, sir. I'll do everything I can to keep Felix safe."

Mr. Lee nodded, clearly pleased. "I have no doubt about that. Just remember, this meeting is crucial. The TXT mafia has been a significant player in our operations, and we need to ensure that our interests align."

"I understand," Hyunjin replied, his resolve firm. "I'll be ready."

"Good," Mr. Lee said, leaning forward slightly. "Felix will be counting on you. I know he can be a bit reckless sometimes, but with you by his side, I feel more at ease."

Hyunjin felt a rush of determination. "I won't let you down, sir."

"Excellent," Mr. Lee said, a satisfied smile crossing his face. "Now, go on. I'm sure Felix is waiting for you. He'll want to hear about this."

As Hyunjin left the office, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Accompanying Felix to the meeting meant stepping deeper into the world of the mafia, but it also meant he would be at Felix's side, supporting him through whatever challenges lay ahead.

The thought of being there for Felix filled him with a sense of purpose. Hyunjin quickened his pace, eager to find Felix and share the news about the meeting.

Hyunjin made his way through the bustling corridors of the headquarters, his heart racing with anticipation. He pushed open the door to Felix's room, where he found him sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone. The tension from earlier seemed to fade the moment their eyes met.

"Hey," Felix greeted, a smile breaking across his face. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Hyunjin chuckled, trying to shake off the nerves. "I just had a meeting with your dad."

Felix raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What did he want?"

"He asked if I could accompany you to the meeting with the TXT mafia tomorrow," Hyunjin replied, watching Felix's reaction closely.

Felix's expression shifted from curiosity to delight. "Really? That's great! It'll be good to have you there. I'd feel a lot better knowing you've got my back."

Hyunjin felt warmth spreading through his chest at Felix's words. "Your father said he trusts me, and that I'm like family now."

Felix's smile widened, his eyes sparkling. "You are family, Hyunjin. You mean a lot to me. I'm glad my dad sees it that way too."

As the conversation deepened, Hyunjin felt the nervous energy start to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of confidence. "I'll make sure to keep you safe," he assured, stepping closer to Felix.

Felix stood up, closing the distance between them. "I know you will. Just... stay close to me during the meeting, alright? The TXT mafia can be unpredictable."

"Always," Hyunjin replied, determination lacing his voice. "You don't have to worry about me."

Felix chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "You're the one who always seems to worry about me, remember? But I appreciate it. It makes me feel... protected."

Hyunjin's heart raced at Felix's admission. It was moments like these that made him feel closer to Felix, and the weight of their bond felt both thrilling and terrifying. "I just want you to be safe," he said softly, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair from Felix's forehead.

Felix leaned into the touch, his expression softening. "And I want you to know that I'm always here for you too, Hyunjin. No matter what."

They stood there, gazing into each other's eyes, a moment of understanding passing between them. Just then, Felix's phone buzzed, breaking the spell. He sighed, pulling away to check the message.

"Looks like it's time for a quick strategy meeting," Felix said, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I'll be right back. Can you hang out here for a bit?"

"Of course," Hyunjin replied, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the meeting ahead.

As Felix stepped out of the room, Hyunjin felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbling within him. He had always been there to protect Felix, but now, with the potential dangers of the meeting looming ahead, he wondered if he was truly prepared for what lay ahead in their world.

He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on his breathing. No matter what happened, he would face it together with Felix. And with that thought, he found a sense of calm.

Minutes later, Felix returned, a serious look etched on his face. "Let's go over some details for tomorrow," he said, pulling a chair closer to Hyunjin. "I want you to be ready for anything."

Hyunjin nodded, his heart steadying. "I'm ready."

Together, they dove into the preparations, both of them aware that the stakes were higher than ever. But as long as they had each other, they would face whatever came their way—together.