The heart of an ice prince

Chapter 14

**Chapter 14: hidden feelings**

Felix sat on his bed, staring blankly at the wall. The room was dimly lit, shadows creeping in as the sun dipped below the horizon. His camera lay untouched on the desk, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling in his mind. He felt trapped—caught between the expectations of his parents and the longing for something more, something real.

His thoughts drifted back to his parents' earlier confrontation. Their words echoed in his mind, each syllable digging deeper into his heart. *"You're wasting your time."* *"You need to be serious about your future."* The pressure to conform to their dreams felt suffocating. Every time they spoke about his future, it was as if they were carving out a path for him that he didn't want to walk.

Felix ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. He had always been the perfect son—an honor student, an athlete, the model child. But inside, he felt like a ghost, fading in a world where his true self was hidden beneath layers of obligation.

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His phone buzzed, breaking the heavy silence. It was a message from you, inviting him to hang out the following day.

**You:** "Hey! Want to grab coffee tomorrow? We can talk about the photography workshop!"

Felix felt a flicker of excitement at the thought of spending time with you. You had a way of bringing light into his life, making the burdens feel a little lighter. He found comfort in your presence, a safe space where he didn't have to pretend.

**Felix:** "Sure! I'd love to."

After sending the reply, he leaned back against his pillows, staring up at the ceiling. It was funny how just the thought of you made him feel a little warmer inside. The connection was unexpected; he had always kept people at arm's length. But with you, he felt a sense of ease, as if he could finally be himself without fear of judgment.

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The next day, Felix arrived at the coffee shop a little earlier than planned. He settled into a corner booth, his heart racing with anticipation. As he sipped his drink, he couldn't help but think about what you might say. He wanted to share his passion for photography but feared it might be too much. Would you think he was being silly for wanting to pursue something that seemed so frivolous in his parents' eyes?

When you walked in, the bell above the door chimed, and Felix's heart skipped a beat. You looked around until your eyes landed on him, and a smile spread across your face that made the corners of his mouth lift, too.

**You:** "Hey, Felix! Sorry if I'm late!"

**Felix:** "No worries at all. I just got here."

As you settled into the booth across from him, Felix felt a sense of calm wash over him. The atmosphere of the coffee shop was cozy, filled with the rich aroma of coffee and the soft chatter of other patrons. It felt like a world away from his reality at home.

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You both talked about the workshop, sharing your excitement and ideas for your projects. Felix found himself opening up, his passion pouring out as he spoke about his favorite photography techniques. He noticed how your eyes lit up with interest, and it made him feel more alive than he had in a long time.

**You:** "I can't wait to see your work! It's so inspiring to hear how much it means to you."

Felix hesitated for a moment, the weight of his feelings pressing down on him. He wanted to share more—the struggles, the expectations, and the loneliness that often filled his heart. But a part of him held back, afraid to reveal too much.

**Felix:** "It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm not allowed to pursue what I love. My parents think it's a waste of time, and I can't help but wonder if they're right."

You leaned in, your expression softening with understanding.

**You:** "Felix, it's okay to want something different for yourself. You shouldn't let anyone else dictate what you're passionate about. Your happiness matters."

His heart swelled at your words, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability flooding through him. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in years—someone who genuinely cared about his aspirations.

**Felix:** "Thanks. It just feels so complicated sometimes. I don't want to disappoint them, but I also don't want to lose myself."

You nodded, and for a moment, the world around you faded away. In that intimate space, Felix felt a connection with you that he had never expected. It was as if you could see through the walls he had built around himself.

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As the conversation flowed, Felix realized he was sharing more than he had intended. He spoke about the suffocating pressure, the feeling of being lost in a maze of expectations, and how photography was the only escape he had.

**Felix:** "When I'm behind the camera, it's like I can finally breathe. I can capture moments that make me feel alive."

Your eyes were full of empathy, and he could sense how much you cared. It encouraged him to continue, to peel back the layers and let you see the real Felix.

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As the sun began to set outside, casting a warm glow through the shop windows, Felix felt a sense of hope building within him. Maybe he didn't have to choose between his dreams and his family's expectations. Maybe there was a way to embrace both—and with you by his side, he felt a little less alone.

The afternoon slipped away, but neither of you noticed as you dove deeper into conversation, exploring dreams, fears, and the things that truly mattered. In that moment, Felix realized that vulnerability could lead to connections he had never thought possible.

**Felix:** "I'm really glad we talked. It's nice to have someone who understands."

You smiled, and he felt a warmth spreading through his chest—a promise of what could be, if he dared to take the leap.

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**End of Chapter 14**

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