Between two worlds | Chanlix

Innocent accident

Felix stood at the threshold, a solitary figure against the chaotic backdrop of laughter, loud music, and

the distant thump of bass. He adjusted the collar of his perfectly tailored jacket, the fabric soft yet commanding. Tonight's party was hosted by one of Seoul's elite, a gathering that promised opulence but lacked genuine warmth. He could already feel the superficial energy swirling around him, a dizzying mix of desperation for attention and hollow laughter.

As he entered the club, a wave of heat hit him, followed by the frenetic rhythm of the music that vibrated through the floor. The room was adorned with lavish decor—golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, their crystals refracting the light into a kaleidoscope of colors. Plush velvet couches were scattered throughout, occupied by the city's wealthiest youth, all draped in designer clothing, their accessories sparkling with ostentation.

Felix navigated through the crowd, his expression carefully neutral as he acknowledged a few familiar faces with polite nods and rehearsed smiles. He felt the eyes of the attendees on him, some with admiration, others with envy. For a moment, he was just another piece of the lavish puzzle, but the moment he stepped into the spotlight, he became the main attraction.

"Felix! Over here!" a voice called out, breaking through the din. It was Rachel, his sister, perched on a plush sofa surrounded by a gaggle of well-dressed friends, each sporting the latest fashions. She waved enthusiastically, her smile bright but tinged with the underlying desperation of wanting to be seen.

He made his way over, the sight of her offering a small sense of comfort in the sea of excess. As he sat beside her, he felt the immediate pressure of expectations bearing down on him. "You're late!" Rachel chirped, leaning in closer to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You missed the best part of the night! They just opened the champagne!"

Felix nodded, feigning enthusiasm. "I'm sure it's fantastic."

His gaze drifted across the room, taking in the spectacle. Groups of young men and women laughed loudly, their faces flushed from the alcohol and adrenaline. A trio of girls, clad in glittering dresses that barely covered their bodies, danced provocatively atop a table, drawing cheers from the crowd as they tossed their heads back in laughter, eyes glazed with a mix of exhilaration and intoxication.

A couple nearby was engaged in a heated argument, their voices rising above the music. It was a familiar scene in this world—a constant push and pull of passion and conflict, where emotions ran high and friendships were tested over petty disagreements. Felix sighed inwardly; he had seen it all too many times before.

"Don't just sit there looking bored, Felix!" Rachel nudged him playfully. "You need to loosen up! This is our world, remember?"

He offered a tight-lipped smile, masking his disdain. The air was thick with the scent of cheap perfume and sweat, mixing with the remnants of lavish parties that had come before. There was something unsettling about how easily these kids consumed their wealth, how they partook in hedonism without a second thought. It felt filthy to him, as if every laugh and every drink served to further entrench them in a cycle of mindless excess.