PHONE | Felix ff

(author too confused to name it)

Day 31. It's hard to believe it's already been a month since I arrived at JYP. Time has blurred into a routine of practice and meals that I often skip. My dad had finally loaded money onto my cafeteria card, but I barely used it. The food I had grown accustomed to in the beginning started to lose its appeal, and I was eating less and less. The guilt from my father's earlier message weighed heavily on my shoulders. I wanted to stay in shape and make him proud, but sometimes it felt like I was suffocating under his expectations.

I pulled out my phone during a rare moment of downtime, scrolling through my messages. One popped up from Lix, the friend I often turned to when I needed to vent. Lix was my sounding board, always there with random thoughts or a piece of advice when I needed it most. I felt a small rush of warmth seeing his name flash on the screen.

Lix: Hey! How's the trainee life treating you? Any drama today?

I chuckled softly, grateful for his lightheartedness. It was like a breath of fresh air, something I needed desperately.

Me: Just the usual. Had another run-in with some bullies today. You know how it is.

Lix: Ugh, that sucks. Don't let them get to you. You're there for a reason, right? Just focus on your goals!

He always had a way of lifting my spirits, reminding me of my purpose in all this.

Me: Easier said than done. Sometimes I just wish I could disappear.

Lix: Don't even joke about that! You've got too much talent to go unnoticed. And honestly, you've got people who care about you. Like that roommate of yours—Olivia, right?

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Olivia. She had been my rock through this tough journey, always offering a hug or a kind word when I needed it most.

Me: Yeah, she's really sweet. But sometimes I feel like I'm dragging her down with me.

Lix: Nah, you're not dragging anyone down! Friends lift each other up, even when things get rough. And just think of all the amazing things you'll accomplish!

His optimism was infectious. I wanted to believe him, to let his words wash over me like a soothing balm.

Me: Thanks, Lix. You always know how to make me feel better. It just gets overwhelming sometimes.

Lix: It's okay to feel that way! Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time. And if it ever feels too much, you can always talk to me.

I sighed, feeling a little lighter. Lix had a way of reminding me that I wasn't alone in this, even if he was miles away and I'd never met him in person.

Me: I appreciate that. I'll try to remember what you said. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll be able to show you my dance moves.

Lix: I can't wait for that! Just make sure you keep dancing like nobody's watching. You've got this, Eva!

His unwavering support made me feel seen, like I was more than just another trainee struggling to find her place. I tucked my phone away and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the rest of the day.

Lix was right, I had to keep my head up and focus on what really mattered—my dreams, my friends, and my passion for dance. Maybe the bullies would eventually fade into the background if I kept pushing forward. I just had to hold on a little longer.

I heard footsteps and saw the members of Stray Kids entering the practice room where I was the only trainee sitting. I was too exhausted to stand, having barely eaten anything to keep my energy up. As I finally pushed myself to my feet, my legs wobbled beneath me. Just then, I noticed Felix talking to Changbin while glancing in my direction.

What were they saying? Were they making fun of how I looked? The constant bullying from the other trainees had seeped into my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe they were right.

I tried to shake off the negative thoughts, but they clung to me like shadows. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was here to pursue my dream, not to let anyone else's opinions define me. As I made my way toward the door, I overheard Felix laughing, and it sent a jolt of anxiety through me.

Just when I thought about escaping the room, I caught a glimpse of Changbin nudging Felix, who then turned and waved at me. "Hey! You okay?" he called out, his expression warm and genuine.

I was taken aback. Had I misread their conversation? Maybe they weren't talking about me after all. I hesitated, feeling a mix of vulnerability and curiosity. With my heart racing, I managed to muster a small smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

They exchanged glances, and then Changbin grinned. "You should join us for practice! It'll help wake you up."

My heart skipped a beat. I felt a flicker of hope spark within me, pushing back against the heaviness of self-doubt. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

As they invited me to join, I could hardly believe my ears. They resumed practicing some basic moves, and I found myself caught up in their energy. I watched as they flowed seamlessly from one step to another, their camaraderie infectious. Despite my fatigue, I started to feel a sense of exhilaration.

After a while, we paused to catch our breath. Minho looked over at me, a playful smile on his face. "You know, we weren't just here to practice. Felix and I were the ones who selected you out of the 1,500 auditions online," he said, his voice teasing but sincere.

My heart raced. "Wait, really?" I stammered, struggling to comprehend what he was saying. "You chose me?"

Felix nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah! We saw your potential. You really stood out to us. We're glad you're here."

The weight of their words struck me. All the doubts I'd been carrying began to lift, replaced by a sense of validation I hadn't expected. I had spent so long feeling inadequate, but here were two of the members telling me they believed in me.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "That means a lot."

Minho shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "Just remember, talent is only part of it. You've got to work hard and believe in yourself, too. We'll help you with that."

I couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spreading through me. Maybe I was exactly where I was meant to be, and maybe, just maybe, I could find my place among them.

Felix pov-

After Eva walked away, I turned to Changbin, a worried expression crossing my face. I had seen the way she hesitated, how her shoulders slumped under the weight of self-doubt. As 'Lix,' I knew all too well about the bullying and negativity that often plagued around. It was hard to watch someone so talented feel so small.

"Did you see her?" I asked Changbin, my voice low. "I don't think she realizes how much potential she has. It's like she's carrying the whole world on her shoulders."

Changbin nodded, his brow furrowing. "Yeah, I noticed that too. The way she looked at us... it was like she expected us to say something mean. It's heartbreaking."

I felt a surge of determination. "We have to do something. I don't want her to give up because of those bullies. She deserves better than that."

"Agreed," Changbin replied, crossing his arms. "But how do we help her see that? Sometimes, it's hard to break through that kind of mindset."

"Maybe we just need to keep encouraging her," I suggested. "If she hears it from us, maybe it'll start to sink in. We should include her more in practice, make her feel like she belongs. She has to know we believe in her."

Changbin smiled, his expression softening. "Let's do it. We'll make sure she knows she's part of the team. And if those bullies say anything, we'll handle it together."

"Right," I agreed, feeling a sense of purpose wash over me. "Let's show her that she's not alone in this." We both turned our attention back to the practice room, ready to support Eva in any way we could.

Little did they know, this would just make her life miserable.