perfect actors|| hyunlix ❀

Chapter 40

Two months had passed since the final "cut" echoed across the set, marking the end of a chapter that had been both a dream and a challenge. The set, once bustling with life, was now quiet. The vibrant energy of the crew, the camaraderie of the cast, and the thrill of filming were all memories now. Yet, as Hyunjin reflected on it, he realized these memories would remain some of the most precious moments of his life.

The farewell event had been both joyous and heart-wrenching. Hyunjin had spent hours laughing with his colleagues, reminiscing about bloopers, long nights of filming, and shared meals on set.

Yuri had been her usual self, throwing playful jabs at him and Felix. "Don't think you're off the hook just because the show's over," she had teased, crossing her arms dramatically. "Ever since you two became all lovey-dovey, you've completely forgotten about your poor friend here!"

Hyunjin had laughed, pulling her into a hug. "We could never forget you, Yuri. You're unforgettable, even when you're being a menace."

Yuri had smiled, but behind her teasing words, she felt something bittersweet. Watching Hyunjin and Felix together stirred an odd mix of pride and longing in her chest. Those two are adorable, she thought as she watched them bicker over who would drive home later. Their dynamic, so natural and effortless now, was a far cry from the strained, sarcastic interactions they'd had at the start of this whole journey.

But even as she laughed with them, Yuri couldn't help but feel a small pang of sadness. The set had been more than just a workplace; it had been a home—a place where she'd poured so much of herself into her role and her connections with everyone. And now, it was over.

This is how it's supposed to be, she reminded herself, though her chest felt heavier with each passing goodbye. The stories would live on in the memories they'd created, but the people? They'd all go back to their own lives, scattering like leaves in the wind.

When she saw Hyunjin and Felix walking to the parking lot after the farewell, their hands brushing against each other as they joked about what to eat for dinner, Yuri smiled to herself. They're going to be fine. More than fine.

Back home, life had taken on a new rhythm for Hyunjin. Felix had been busier than ever with his company, which had taken off spectacularly in the last couple of months. Hyunjin had never seen him so confident and in his element, directing shoots, approving designs, and managing a growing team of talented individuals.

Felix's hard work hadn't stopped them from spending time together, though. If anything, they had made it a priority to nurture their relationship, something Hyunjin cherished deeply.

Their dates had ranged from quiet and intimate to spontaneous and adventurous. One evening, Felix had surprised Hyunjin with a picnic in the park. The basket was packed with all of Hyunjin's favorite foods, including Felix's perfectly baked pastries. They had spent hours lounging under a tree, talking about everything and nothing.

Another time, they had driven to a beach at sunset, the sun's soft glow casting a golden hue over the water. Hyunjin had watched as Felix, camera in hand, captured every moment—the waves crashing against the shore, the footprints they left in the sand, and, of course, Hyunjin himself.

"I want to remember this," Felix had said, his voice soft as he adjusted the camera lens. "Every single second of it."

Hyunjin smiled at the memory. Felix had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.

Then there were the days they spent at home, enjoying each other's company. Hyunjin had discovered Felix's unmatched talent in board games during one of their stay-in dates. Then, Felix insisted on teaching him how to bake cookies, but Hyunjin ended up covered in flour, laughing so hard that he nearly dropped the mixing bowl.

Despite Felix's scolding, Hyunjin couldn't resist sneaking a kiss as Felix tried to clean up the mess. They had ended up dancing in the kitchen, swaying to music only they could hear.

But amidst all the joy and laughter, there had been moments of vulnerability, too. Felix had convinced Hyunjin to contact his parents, a conversation Hyunjin had been avoiding for years.

"It's time," Felix had said one evening as they sat together on the couch. "You don't have to do it alone. But you'll never know how they feel unless you try."

Hyunjin had nodded, though his chest tightened at the thought.

When he finally visited them, his heart had been pounding. The meeting had been tense at first, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. But as Hyunjin opened up about his career, his relationship with Felix, and the reasons he had kept his distance, his parents had softened.

His mother had cried, pulling him into a tight hug. "We've been so proud of you, Hyunjin. We always have been. We just didn't know how to tell you."

His father, usually reserved, had placed a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder, giving him a rare smile. "You've done well, son."

The reconciliation had been a turning point for Hyunjin. He felt lighter, as though a weight he hadn't realized he was carrying had finally been lifted.

One evening, Yuri sat on her couch scrolling through her phone. A notification popped up on her feed—a candid photo of Hyunjin and Felix on one of their many dates. She stared at it for a moment, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

"They're really thriving," she murmured, leaning back.

For Yuri, it was satisfying to see how far her friends had come. Hyunjin, who had once been so closed off, was now glowing with happiness. Felix, always sweet but guarded, had found his perfect balance in Hyunjin.

Yuri tapped on the photo, leaving a comment before setting her phone down. She thought back to the set, to the moments when she'd watched them bicker, laugh, and slowly grow closer. It had been an honor to witness it all firsthand.

"They've got this," she said to herself with a small nod. Deep down, she felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that even the hardest journeys could lead to something beautiful. "I don't have to do much now, I hope."

A/N 

ahh!!! omg finally!!! i finally managed to upload a chapter! been struggling w/ writer's block. alsorrrrr the end might be coming soon but don't be sadd...i might have another story planned or not and that might just be to keep you on the edge...but don't forget to vote, stay safe and check up on people you love.