A Distraction // Bangchan

Chapter Thirty-Six

Felix sat on the couch next to Chan, trying to keep the atmosphere light. They'd been watching some random variety show on TV, though neither of them was really paying attention. Chan was barely focused, his eyes glazed over as if his mind was elsewhere. Felix knew exactly where that elsewhere was—Lauren.

Ever since the breakup, Chan had been a shadow of himself. He threw himself into work, into the studio, but outside of that, he was quieter, more withdrawn. Felix could see the guilt and heartbreak weighing on him. Every time they hung out, Chan seemed like he was teetering on the edge of saying something—probably about Lauren—but he never did. He kept it bottled up, and Felix didn't know how to help him without pushing him too far.

Suddenly, Felix's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing down at the screen, expecting some group chat message. But when he saw Lauren's name, his heart sank.

Lauren: Felix I feel so stupidd. I miss him soo much it hurtss

Felix's fingers tightened around his phone. He knew Lauren was struggling, but seeing her message now, knowing she was drunk and hurting, made his chest tighten with concern. He stole a quick glance at Chan, making sure he hadn't noticed the text. Luckily, Chan was still staring blankly at the TV, lost in his own world.

Felix quickly typed out a reply, trying to keep his face neutral.

Felix: where are you? Are you okay?

He knew he couldn't let Chan see this. He couldn't let Chan know that Lauren had reached out to him, not when he was barely holding it together himself. If Chan found out how broken she was, it would only tear him apart more. And Felix knew how fragile Chan already was.

As he waited for Lauren to reply, Felix glanced at Chan again, guilt tugging at him. He hated hiding this, but he knew that Chan couldn't handle it right now. He had already made the hardest decision of his life, and as much as Felix disagreed with the way the label had forced him into that corner, Chan had made his choice.

But it didn't mean Felix couldn't be there for Lauren.

His phone buzzed again, and he quickly read her next message.

Lauren: Im at some club. I'm sorrry for texting you. I just don't know what to do

Felix felt his heart sink even further. He had seen how deeply Lauren had cared for Chan, and seeing her in so much pain now broke his heart. She was out there, alone, trying to drink away her feelings, and he couldn't just leave her like that. He had to do something.

Felix tapped out another reply, careful to keep his movements slow and steady so as not to draw Chan's attention.

Felix: I get it. I'm sorry you're going through this. Do you want me to come get you? You shouldn't be alone like this

He saw the message bubbles appear immediately.

Lauren: I don't want to ruin your nightt

Felix: Don't worry about that. Just tell me where you are, and I'll come pick you up.

But how was he supposed to explain leaving without Chan getting suspicious?

He held his breath, waiting for her response. Beside him, Chan shifted slightly, his eyes still glued to the screen, though Felix knew he wasn't really watching. Felix's phone buzzed again.

Lauren: Im at Tao. Please don't tell him...

Felix read the message, then quickly pocketed his phone. He leaned back on the couch, running a hand through his hair as he tried to think of a way to leave without Chan questioning him. He could feel the tension building in his chest, the pressure of keeping this from his friend while also wanting to help Lauren.