Deep End | Hyunlix

27

Hyunjin took another long drink from the bottle of soju he was holding, staring off into the distance at the water. He had managed to convince the restaurant owner to let them take four bottles to-go, after already finishing six between them. His head was starting to feel fuzzy, and the world seemed to sway slightly around him.

"Hey, the water feels great! You should come join me!" Felix called out from the shore, splashing around in the ocean, his clothes soaked through.

Hyunjin looked at him, a soft smile forming on his lips. He had convinced Felix to keep the night going and drink by the water, though part of him was just biding his time until he was sober enough to drive. Or so he told himself. He took another swig of his drink before lying back, letting the alcohol settle in his system.

"Come on, you have to come feel the water," Felix said, his excitement evident as he tugged at Hyunjin's hand.

Hyunjin groaned playfully, pulling his hand away. "Felix," he whined, unwilling to get up just yet. He tugged at Felix's hand, trying to free himself.

"Don't finish the last bottle by yourself!" Felix laughed, grabbing the bottle from Hyunjin's hand and taking a swig before setting it aside. "Come on," he said, his eyes sparkling as he pulled Hyunjin to his feet.

Hyunjin scoffed, a playful smile on his face. "You're definitely not older than me."

Felix shrugged, pulling him toward the water. "Whatever. Will you listen to me if I call you Hyung?"

Hyunjin froze at the word. He'd never had anyone call him that before. "I guess," he mumbled, his face warming. He let Felix drag him toward the water, the younger's hand still firmly holding his.

Felix turned to him. "Come on, Hyung. Let's go!"

Hyunjin let Felix lead him until they reached the edge of the water. He stepped forward just enough to let the cool water touch his toes, feeling the shock of the cold water against his skin.

"Scared of getting a little wet?" Felix teased, splashing Hyunjin with the water.

Hyunjin shot him a playful glare. "Don't you dare," he warned, but before he could react, Felix splashed him again. "You didn't!" he exclaimed, running after Felix, laughing.

Felix sprinted away, giggling as Hyunjin easily caught up and scooped him off his feet. Felix laughed and struggled in his grip, shouting, "No! Don't!"

Hyunjin waded a little deeper into the water, laughing too. He set Felix down in the water, watching as the younger let out a surprised yelp, going under for a second. He looked down at his soaked clothes and shrugged. So much for not getting wet, he thought with a smile.

Just then, Felix splashed him again, the cold water hitting Hyunjin's face. He blinked, looking over at Felix, who was dripping wet, his freckles shining brightly in the moonlight. Felix looked so carefree, so beautiful. Hyunjin found himself moving before he could think, stepping toward Felix, closing the distance between them.

He hesitated for a moment, unsure, but Felix met his gaze, unblinking. Felix tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, sending a wave of goosebumps up Hyunjin's arms. What the hell am I doing? Hyunjin thought. But before he could stop himself, Felix leaned in and kissed him.

The kiss was quick, just a soft press of lips, before Felix pulled away, watching Hyunjin's reaction. Hyunjin barely had time to process before he was pulling Felix back in, deepening the kiss. Their lips crashed together, urgent and hungry. Hyunjin moaned softly as Felix's tongue slid into his mouth, the taste of him, the feel of him, intoxicating.

They finally pulled apart, both gasping for air, eyes wide, searching each other's faces. Felix's expression was unreadable, but Hyunjin could see the want and need in his eyes.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Felix's voice was low, sending a shiver down Hyunjin's spine.

Hyunjin stepped back, his heart racing. He wasn't sure what to say, or what to do. His mind was a mess, but the cool breeze on his wet skin grounded him slightly.

Felix softened his voice, not pushing. "We should at least get out of these wet clothes."

Hyunjin nodded, relief flooding him. "Can we stay here for a few more minutes? I just want to enjoy this a little longer."

Felix smiled, his expression gentle. "Sure."

They moved to shallower water, sitting down together, letting the waves lap around them. Hyunjin leaned back, staring at the night sky, the stars twinkling brightly. He felt an unexpected calmness settle over him. For the first time tonight, everything felt quiet, peaceful.

But then his gaze shifted to Felix. They were alone in the quiet of the water, just the two of them. Hyunjin could feel the weight of everything that had happened, this night, this kiss, Felix's closeness. But this is just two guys, right? Hyunjin tried to convince himself. Nothing more.

Felix glanced at him, sensing the tension. "Are you ready to leave?"

Felix's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "If you are," he said softly.

Hyunjin hesitated, glancing at the dark ocean, the coolness of the water soothing him. But the wet clothes clinging to him reminded him they needed to leave. "Yeah, let's go."

Felix grabbed his hand and Hyunjin helped him to his feet, their hands lingering together for a moment. They stood, just looking at each other. Hyunjin cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Let's go."

Felix nodded, his hand falling away, and they walked off toward the nearest hotel along the shoreline.

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942 words