Between two worlds | Chanlix

Follow the path

The weeks stretched on, an endless loop of rehearsals and studio sessions that seemed to blur together. Chan found himself entrenched in the rhythm of work, but the shadow of Felix loomed large over him. He avoided the man at all costs, navigating the halls of the company with a mix of apprehension and determination. Each time their paths crossed, Chan felt the tension crackle in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken words and emotions hanging heavily between them.

Despite their proximity, Felix remained as cold and distant as ever, his focus solely on work. Chan, however, felt the weight of their last interaction hanging over him like a storm cloud. The memory of Felix's smirk, the rejection in his voice, and the way his eyes had held a challenge all collided to create a turmoil within Chan that was hard to shake.

On one particularly busy afternoon, as Chan was setting up for a recording session, he unexpectedly found himself alone in the hallway when Felix strode toward him, purpose evident in his posture. Chan's heart raced; he instinctively looked away, pretending to busy himself with the equipment.

"Chan," Felix said, his voice sharp and cutting through the tension.
Chan's breath caught in his throat. He turned slowly, forcing himself to meet Felix's gaze. "Yes?"

"Can we talk for a moment?" Felix gestured to a quieter corner of the hallway, his expression unreadable.

Chan nodded, apprehension churning in his stomach as he followed Felix. Once they were out of earshot, Felix crossed his arms, the intensity in his eyes sending a shiver down Chan's spine.

"I need you to be more professional about this," Felix stated, his tone clipped. "I know there's a lot of creative energy between us, but we have a project to focus on. Let's keep our personal lives out of the studio."

Chan swallowed hard, a mixture of relief and disappointment washing over him. "I understand," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable."

Felix's gaze softened just a fraction, but the walls he had built around himself remained firmly in place. "Good. I don't want to deal with distractions. Just remember that this is work first."

As Chan nodded, he felt a strange calm wash over him. The boundaries Felix had set felt like a protective barrier, a way to compartmentalize their lives. If they were to work together, then separating their personal feelings from their professional ones seemed wise, even if it stung a little.

"Right. I can do that," Chan said, a sense of resolve building within him. "Great," Felix said, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Let's move forward then."

With that, they parted ways, Chan feeling a strange lightness in his step. Perhaps this was the clarity he had needed—a way to channel his emotions into their work without letting them interfere.

That evening, Han invited Chan out with a few colleagues from the studio. "You need a break," he insisted. "Let's go to that new bar downtown. I promise you'll have fun."

Chan hesitated but ultimately agreed. The thought of escaping the studio, if only for a night, felt refreshing. As they entered the bar, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and music, the lights dim but inviting.

"See? This is what you need," Han said, clapping Chan on the shoulder. "Just relax and enjoy."

As the night unfolded, Chan found himself laughing and engaging with his colleagues. They shared stories over drinks, the camaraderie providing a sense of relief he hadn't realized he needed. The weight of Felix and their complicated relationship felt like a distant memory as he immersed himself in the joy of the moment.

"Look who finally showed up!" Han called out, drawing Chan's attention. A tall figure walked into the bar beside Han—a guy with kind eyes and an easy smile. "Chan, this is my boyfriend, Jin."

"Hey, nice to meet you!" Jin said, extending a hand. "Han talks about you all the time."

Chan felt a rush of warmth at the thought of being part of Han's world, even if just for a moment. "Nice to meet you too."

They spent the night exchanging stories and laughter, with Han and Jin playfully teasing each other. Chan felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. As the hours slipped away, he began to feel lighter, the burdens of his life and career dissolving in the camaraderie of newfound friendship.

Eventually, the clock ticked past midnight, and Chan realized he had to head home. He stepped outside, the cool night air wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. As he made his way through the familiar streets, he felt a strange mixture of happiness and melancholy.

Returning to his small flat felt different this time. It was still modest and cluttered, the peeling wallpaper and creaky floors a reminder of his humble beginnings. But tonight, the space felt more like a sanctuary—a place where he could dream, create, and escape the chaos of the outside world.

Chan kicked off his shoes and made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a quick snack before settling down on the worn couch. He pulled out his guitar, fingers strumming absentmindedly as he reflected on the night. The laughter, the shared stories, the brief moment of connection with Felix—they all swirled in his mind, blending into a tapestry of emotions.

In the quiet of his flat, he began to write. The music flowed from him, a reflection of the joy he had found that evening mixed with the complexities of his relationship with Felix. He let the words spill onto the page, each line capturing the essence of what it meant to be torn between two worlds.

As the dawn approached, Chan felt a sense of hope blooming within him. He had allowed himself to relax, to embrace happiness, even if just for a night. And as he penned the final notes of his song, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on, armed with the passion of his music and the support of his friends.

And somewhere, in the shadows of the city, Felix was still a part of that world—a tantalizing enigma waiting to be unraveled.