Between two worlds | Chanlix

Him in light

The event buzzed with energy, a lavish celebration of music and wealth, and Chan could feel the excitement thrumming in his veins as he navigated the crowded ballroom. It was one of those high- profile gatherings where the city's elite mingled, and although Chan still felt like an outsider, he had grown more comfortable in these circles. Over the past few months, he had made connections, even friendships, with some of the most influential people in the industry. Tonight, he was determined to enjoy himself, to soak in the atmosphere and maybe even make a few more valuable contacts.

He chatted with a producer known for scoring some of the biggest films of the year, then with a young singer who had just released a breakout single. Despite the glamor surrounding him, Chan's eyes kept drifting toward the entrance, anticipation building as he scanned the room for a particular figure.

Then he saw him—Felix walked in, dressed in a crisp white suit that seemed to catch the light and reflect it with every movement. His blonde hair was styled perfectly, and the sharp lines of his jaw and cheekbones were highlighted by the sleekness of his outfit. He looked like he belonged at the center of attention, drawing glances from across the room as he effortlessly joined conversations. Felix was the kind of man who could command a room without saying a word, and tonight was no exception.

Chan couldn't tear his gaze away. He moved through the crowd with practiced ease, keeping Felix in his peripheral vision, staying close enough to catch snippets of his conversation but far enough not to be noticed. He wasn't sure what compelled him to follow Felix so closely, only that there was something magnetic about him, something that made it impossible for Chan to look away.

As the night wore on, Chan noticed Felix slipping away from the main hall with a man who looked out of place among the usual crowd. The young man had the appearance of a spoiled rich kid—too polished, with an air of entitlement that was hard to miss. Felix seemed composed as always, but the other man's expression betrayed impatience, and a hint of something darker. Chan's instincts flared, and he found himself quietly trailing after them, staying hidden behind the gilded columns and draped curtains.

He watched as they moved into a quieter corridor, the air between them tense. The young man's voice rose, sharp with frustration. "You can't keep ignoring me like this, Felix. I need answers."

Felix remained calm, his tone measured. "This isn't the time or place. Let's discuss it later."

But the young man wasn't interested in waiting. His anger boiled over, and before Chan could even react, the man grabbed Felix by the collar, shoving him against the wall and tightening his grip around Felix's throat.

The sight sent a jolt through Chan's body, and without thinking, he darted forward. "Hey!" he shouted, shoving the man away from Felix with more force than he realized he possessed. The man stumbled back, his eyes widening in surprise.

Felix straightened, his fingers lightly grazing his throat. "Let him go," he said to Chan, his voice low but firm. There was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but also something that looked like gratitude.

The young man scowled, glancing from Chan to Felix, before finally retreating down the hallway. As his footsteps faded, Felix exhaled, adjusting his shirt collar.

"Are you alright?" Chan asked, stepping closer. He could see a faint red mark on Felix's neck, where the man's hand had gripped him.

Felix gave a slight nod. "I'm fine. But it would've been better if you didn't follow me around like a tail."

Chan bristled at the dismissive tone, even as relief washed over him. "You would've had a bigger problem on your hands if I hadn't been there."

For a moment, their eyes locked, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. Without waiting for a response, Chan grabbed Felix by the wrist, pulling him along until they reached a nearby door. He pushed it open, leading them into a spacious, dimly-lit bathroom for the disabled, and locked the door behind them.

"What are you doing?" Felix asked, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Stay still," Chan instructed, ignoring the nervous flutter in his chest as he gently turned Felix's head to the side to inspect the mark. The bruise was darker than he'd thought, and he instinctively reached into his pocket for a band-aid, pressing it tenderly onto the reddened skin. As he did, he noticed Felix's breathing had slowed, his eyes watching Chan intently.

Their faces were close—too close. Chan could feel Felix's breath against his cheek, the scent of his cologne mingling with the faint sweetness of caramel still in the air. Felix's gaze softened, his usual coldness replaced with something more raw and open, and for a brief moment, it seemed like they were the only two people in the world.

"Thank you," Felix murmured, his voice lower than usual.

Chan's fingers lingered near the collar of Felix's shirt as he helped to straighten it, their closeness blurring the boundaries of propriety. Chan could feel the warmth radiating from Felix's skin, his pulse quickening at the thought of closing the distance between them.

Felix turned to leave, but just as he reached for the door handle, he stopped. "Chan..." he said, his back still turned.

"What?" Chan breathed, the word almost catching in his throat.

Felix hesitated, then spoke with a tone that carried a mix of amusement and provocation. "Just so you know... I'm a top. Which is why us sleeping together wouldn't work." He glanced back at Chan, a smirk playing on his lips. "You don't exactly give me bottom energy."

Chan's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and indignation flooding his chest. "What...?"

Felix chuckled, opening the door. "Enjoy the rest of your night," he said coolly as he stepped back out into the corridor, leaving Chan standing there, stunned.

As the door closed behind Felix, Chan felt a rush of emotions—confusion, anger, and an undeniable attraction that he could no longer ignore. The sound of the party outside filtered back in, reminding him that the world hadn't stopped. But for him, in that small bathroom, everything had changed.