They were best friends for years, sharing every secret except one. When Felix finally confesses his feelings, Josephine lets him down with a gentle lie: she's not interested in men. Heartbroken but determined to keep their friendship, Felix tries to...
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This chapter has STRONG trigger warnings. Readers discretion is advised. ⚠️⚠️⚠️‼️
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Morning light seeped through the blinds, casting faint stripes across the disheveled living room. The air was still, save for the faint creak of the couch beneath Felix as he shifted slightly, his body stiff and aching from the long hours spent in vigil. He had fallen asleep at some point, his head cradled on Josephine's chest, his arms loosely wrapped around her waist as though even in sleep he could keep her close.
The subtle warmth of the sunlight on his face pulled him from his slumber. His eyelids fluttered open, bleary and unfocused, before the pale shape beneath him came into view. For a moment, he simply lay there, his head rising and falling ever so slightly with what he assumed was Josephine's quiet breathing. A gentle smile spread across his lips. She was still here. Still his.
He lifted himself slightly, wincing as a sharp ache radiated through his neck and shoulders. His muscles protested the movement, but he ignored it, his focus entirely on Josephine's still form. Her face was turned slightly to the side, her features softened by the morning light. He studied her, marveling at how peaceful she looked.
"Jo," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. "Wake up, my love. The sun's out."
She didn't stir. Felix chuckled quietly to himself. She always did like to sleep in, didn't she? He reached out and tapped her shoulder lightly. "Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up. We have a big day ahead of us."
Silence.
His smile faltered slightly, but he quickly replaced it with a gentle expression of patience. She must be exhausted, he thought. It had been such a stressful night for both of them. He brushed a lock of her hair away from her face, his fingers trailing down to her cheek. Her skin was cold beneath his touch, but he dismissed it. The house had been chilly during the night; perhaps she just needed to warm up.
"Josephine," he said again, this time with a little more urgency, lightly tapping her cheek. "Hey. It's morning. You can't sleep the whole day away."
Still, there was no response.
Felix frowned, a flicker of unease creeping into his chest. Her head had tilted slightly when he tapped her, the motion loose, almost limp. It wasn't like her to be so unresponsive. He shifted closer, his eyes searching her face for any sign of movement. Her lips were slightly parted, her chest unnervingly still.
"Jo?" His voice wavered now, the edge of unease sharpening as he leaned down, placing his ear over her chest. He held his breath, listening intently, waiting for the soft rhythm of her heartbeat or the faint hiss of breath escaping her lips.
